Apple Developer and Public Beta Updates

How to Download iPadOS 26 Developer Beta 1

If you’re a developer, you can access the latest iPadOS Developer Beta quickly through Apple’s official tools. Here’s how:

iPadOS Developer Beta Download Via Settings (Recommended by Apple)

1. Join the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com (costs $99/year).
   
2. On your iPad, open Settings > General > Software Update.
   
3. Tap Beta Updates.
   
4. Select iPadOS Developer Beta.
   
5. The latest beta will appear — tap Download and Install.
   

How to Download iPadOS Public Beta

For non-developers who want to explore new features before official release:

iPadOS Public Beta Download Via Settings (Free, No PC Needed)

1. Go to beta.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
   
2. On your iPad, open Settings > General > Software Update.
   
3. Tap Beta Updates.
   
4. Choose iPadOS Public Beta.
   
5. Tap Download and Install when available.
   

Alternate Method (Using IPSW File with Finder or 3uTools)

For advanced users:

• Download the correct iPadOS IPSW file (for your iPad model) from a trusted developer source or Apple if available.
  
• Connect iPad to a Mac or PC.
  
• Use Finder (on Mac) or 3uTools (on Windows) to restore or update the device using the IPSW file.
  

⚠️ This method is only for experienced users and not officially recommended for beginners.

Types of Install iPadOS Beta Profile 

Method	Type	Requirements	Ideal For
Settings App (Dev Beta)	Developer	Apple Developer Account	App developers & testers
Settings App (Public Beta)	Public	Free Apple ID	General users
IPSW via Finder/3uTools	Manual	IPSW file, PC or Mac	Advanced users

Download macOS Developer Beta & Public Beta

What is macOS Developer Beta?

macOS Developer Beta is an early version of macOS released by Apple exclusively for registered developers. It offers access to new features, tools, and performance upgrades ahead of public launch, helping developers test apps and optimize compatibility before official release.

What is macOS Public Beta?

macOS Public Beta is a free, early-access version of macOS available to anyone with an Apple ID. It’s part of Apple’s Beta Software Program and allows regular users to explore upcoming macOS features, give feedback, and experience the latest system changes before the final version rolls out.

Method 1: How to Download macOS 26 Developer Beta 1

Looking to try the latest macOS features before anyone else? The macOS Developer Beta gives you early access to powerful tools and system changes. Here’s how to download it:

✅ Step-by-Step Guide for macOS Developer Beta:

1. Enroll in Apple Developer Program
   Go to developer.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Join the Apple Developer Program (cost: $99/year).
   
2. Check Compatibility
   Make sure your Mac supports the latest macOS version. Most Macs from 2018 and newer are eligible.
   
3. Backup Your Mac
   Use Time Machine or external storage to back up your system in case something goes wrong during the beta install.
   
4. Open System Settings
   On macOS Ventura or later, go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
   
5. Enable Beta Updates
   Under Beta Updates, click “Beta Updates” and select macOS Developer Beta from the dropdown.
   
6. Download & Install
   Once selected, the system will check for the latest Developer Beta and show the option to Download and Install. Click to begin!
   

Method 2: How to Download macOS Public Beta

Don’t have a developer account? The macOS Public Beta is free for everyone and gives early access to upcoming macOS features.

✅ Step-by-Step Guide for macOS Public Beta:

1. Sign Up at Apple Beta Software Program
   Go to beta.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
   
2. Enroll Your Mac
   After signing in, click “Enroll Your Devices” and choose macOS. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   
3. Backup First!
   Just like with the developer beta, back up using Time Machine or another method.
   
4. Open System Settings > Software Update
   On your Mac, navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update.
   
5. Enable Beta Updates
   Click “Beta Updates” and choose macOS Public Beta.
   
6. Download and Install
   Your Mac will check for the latest beta and prompt you to Download and Install.
   

💡 Pro Tips (Applies to Both Developer & Public Beta)

• Use a secondary Mac or partition if you rely on your main Mac for work.
  
• Betas can contain bugs. Always keep a Time Machine backup handy.
  
• After trying the beta, you can return to the public version by restoring macOS or waiting for the official release.

Alternate Methods to Download macOS Beta: DMG or IPSW

Method 3: Download macOS Beta as DMG (for Clean Installation or USB Creation)

While Apple no longer officially distributes .dmg files for macOS Betas, developers and advanced users can create a bootable USB installer using the macOS Beta full installer downloaded via Software Update or third-party sources.

✅ Steps to Create a macOS Beta DMG or USB Installer:

1. Download the full macOS Beta installer
   After enrolling in the Developer or Public Beta, allow the full beta to download from System Settings > Software Update.
   

Use Terminal to create a bootable USB
Insert an empty USB drive (16GB or larger), then open Terminal and run:

2. Boot from USB
   Restart your Mac, hold Option/Alt, and choose the USB drive to begin a clean beta installation.
   

⚠️ DMG files found online from unofficial sources may pose a security risk. Stick to Apple’s installer or trusted dev forums.

Method 4: Install macOS Beta via IPSW (Apple Silicon Macs Only)

Apple supports IPSW files for Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) for manual restore or update using Apple Configurator 2.

✅ Steps to Install macOS Beta using IPSW:

1. Get the macOS Beta IPSW File
   Apple occasionally releases IPSW files for Apple Silicon Macs via developer.apple.com. You can also find verified ones on trusted forums like Mr. Macintosh.
   
2. Use Apple Configurator 2 on Another Mac
   
   • Connect the target Mac (in DFU mode) to another Mac.
     
   • Launch Apple Configurator 2.
     
   • Drag the IPSW into Configurator and click Restore or Update.
     
3. Install and Set Up
   The beta macOS version will be installed cleanly. You’ll go through initial setup steps.
   

⚠️ This is an advanced method. Use only if you’re experienced with DFU mode and Configurator. Best for developers testing multiple Macs.

macOS Beta Installation Methods (Summary)

Method	Type	Who It’s For	Requirements
System Settings	Easiest	Most Users	Apple ID, Developer/Public program
DMG/USB Installer	Advanced	Clean install users	Terminal, USB drive
IPSW via Configurator 2	Expert	Apple Silicon users, Dev labs	2 Macs, Configurator, IPSW

Apple watchOS Developer Beta & Public Beta

What is watchOS Developer Beta

watchOS Developer Beta is Apple’s early preview version of the watchOS system, designed exclusively for registered developers in the Apple Developer Program. It provides first access to the newest features, APIs, and performance changes for Apple Watch apps.

What is watchOS Public Beta

watchOS Public Beta is a free version available to anyone with a compatible Apple Watch and Apple ID. As part of the Apple Beta Software Program, users can explore new features before the public launch and give feedback directly to Apple.

How to Download watchOS 26 Developer Beta 1

This method requires a paired iPhone with the iOS Developer Beta installed.

✅ watchOS Developer Beta Via iPhone Settings (Apple Official Method)

1. Join the Apple Developer Program with your Apple ID (paid account).
   
2. On your paired iPhone, install the latest iOS Developer Beta.
   
3. Go to your iPhone’s Watch app > General > Software Update.
   
4. Tap Beta Updates, then select watchOS Developer Beta.
   
5. Tap Download and Install when the update appears.
   

How to Download watchOS Public Beta

This is free and suitable for general users with compatible Apple Watch models.

✅ watchOS Public Beta Via iPhone Settings (No PC Needed)

1. Visit beta.apple.com and enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program using your Apple ID.
   
2. Make sure your paired iPhone is running the latest iOS Public Beta.
   
3. On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
   
4. Go to General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
   
5. Select watchOS Public Beta.
   
6. Tap Download and Install when available.
   

Important Notes Before Installing:

• Once you install watchOS beta, you cannot downgrade to the previous version.
  
• Always backup your iPhone and update it first, as Apple Watch betas require the paired iPhone to also be on beta.
  

Apple watchOS Beta Download and Install methods

Method	Type	Requirements	Ideal For
Watch App (Dev Beta)	Developer	Apple Developer Account, iOS Dev Beta	App developers & advanced testers
Watch App (Public Beta)	Public	Free Apple ID, iOS Public Beta	General users
IPSW / Recovery	❌ Not Available	N/A	Apple Watch does not support manual restore

Apple tvOS Developer Beta & Public Beta

What is tvOS Developer Beta?

tvOS Developer Beta is an early-access version of Apple’s tvOS software for developers. It’s available only through the Apple Developer Program and includes new features, APIs, and system updates meant for Apple TV app testing.

What is tvOS Public Beta?

tvOS Public Beta is a free beta version for general users who want to test upcoming tvOS features before they launch. This version is available via the Apple Beta Software Program, and it’s ideal for feedback and early experimentation.

How to Download tvOS 26 Developer Beta 1

If you’re an Apple Developer, follow these official steps:

✅ Method 1: Over the Air (Recommended by Apple)

1. Enroll in the Apple Developer Program.
   
2. On your Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Software Updates.
   
3. Under Get Beta Updates, select tvOS Developer Beta.
   
4. The latest beta version will appear — click Download and Install.
   

✅ Method 2: Using a Mac (Advanced)

For developers who need full control:

1. Download the tvOS IPSW or Restore Image from the Apple Developer site.
   
2. Connect your Apple TV (HD model with USB-C) to your Mac.
   
3. Use Apple Configurator or Xcode to manually install the firmware.
   

⚠️ Only Apple TV HD supports USB-C restore. Apple TV 4K must use OTA updates.

How to Download tvOS Public Beta

If you’re not a developer, here’s the official method for public users:

✅ Method 1: Over the Air (Simple & Free)

1. Visit beta.apple.com and enroll your Apple ID.
   
2. On your Apple TV, sign in using the same Apple ID used for the Beta Software Program.
   
3. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates.
   
4. Select Get Beta Updates, then choose tvOS Public Beta.
   
5. Your Apple TV will automatically check and install the latest beta version.
   

Apple tvOS Beta Download Methods

Method	Type	Requirements	Ideal For
OTA (Dev Beta)	Developer	Apple Developer Account	App developers
IPSW via Mac	Developer	Apple Configurator, USB-C Apple TV	Advanced testers
OTA (Public Beta)	Public	Apple ID (free), Beta Program	General users

🔒 Important Notes

• Apple TV 4K can only receive beta updates over the air.
  
• There is no downgrade option for tvOS — once updated to beta, you must wait for future versions.
  
• Always make sure to use the same Apple ID across devices to enroll correctly in betas.

Apple visionOS Developer Beta & Public Beta

What is visionOS Developer Beta?

visionOS Developer Beta is Apple’s early-release software for developers working on apps for Apple Vision Pro. Available through the Apple Developer Program, this beta includes the latest APIs, tools, and immersive interface updates for visionOS.

What is visionOS Public Beta?

visionOS Public Beta is a test version of Apple’s spatial computing operating system made available to general users enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program. It lets users preview new features and offer feedback before the final release.

⚠️ Apple Vision Pro beta updates can be complex and system-altering — use only if you understand the risks or are testing apps.

How to Download visionOS 26 Developer Beta 1

✅ Method 1: Through Xcode on a Mac (Official Apple Method)

1. Enroll in the Apple Developer Program.
   
2. Download the latest version of Xcode and visionOS SDK from the Apple Developer site.
   
3. Connect your Apple Vision Pro to your Mac using a USB-C cable.
   
4. Open Xcode, go to Settings > Devices, and locate Vision Pro.
   
5. Select the device and click Install visionOS Developer Beta.
   

✅ Method 2: Install via Apple Configurator (For restore or recovery)

1. Download the visionOS restore image (IPSW) from your developer account.
   
2. Connect your Vision Pro to Mac.
   
3. Open Apple Configurator.
   
4. Select your device and choose the downloaded IPSW file.
   
5. Follow the prompts to install the beta.
   

💡 This method is useful for restoring a bricked device or starting fresh.

How to Download visionOS Public Beta

The public beta program for visionOS is limited to selected users, especially those in the Apple Beta Software Program.

✅ Method 1: Over-the-Air via Apple ID (if available)

1. Go to beta.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
   
2. If Apple Vision Pro is supported for public beta at the time:
   
   • Go to Settings > Software Update > Beta Updates.
     
   • Choose visionOS Public Beta.
     
   • Tap Download and Install.
     

✅ This is the easiest method — no Mac or tools required. Only available if Apple allows OTA beta installs on Vision Pro.

Apple visionOS Beta Download Methods

Method	Type	Requirements	Ideal For
Xcode + SDK	Developer	Mac, Xcode, Developer Account	App developers
Apple Configurator + IPSW	Developer	Mac, IPSW file	Recovery or clean install
OTA Settings	Public	Apple ID + Supported Device	General testers (if public beta is open)

Pro Tips & Warnings

• Apple Vision Pro beta software can’t always be downgraded. Proceed cautiously.
  
• Always back up your developer workspaces before installing.
  
• Developer betas require macOS Sonoma or later with the latest Xcode version.