During the evening of yesterday. Apple has released the first developer beta versions for all of its core operating systems, including iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4, tvOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3. The list of news is really substantial, especially for the latest version of iOS 16, but one of the most important changes concerns the way in which betas will be managed in the future, since Apple seems to be now willing to end the practice of profiles. Let’s see how.
For some time now, Apple has adopted the profile system to allow developers and users to take part in the beta program of iOS and all other major operating systems. The installation of this file allows the device to request the download of the latest beta firmware and, although access to the profiles for beta developers is reserved exclusively for those who are enrolled in the developer program, nothing prevents this from being shared and transferred even to those who are not part of this restricted circle.
This has allowed, until now, to access the beta for developers in a relatively simple way, something that Apple has never sent down as the first beta cycle is often subject to NDA and very precise rules, including the prohibition to publish images and videos on features still in development. The Cupertino house has therefore decided to give the classic crackdown on the issue and, starting from iOS 16.4 and all the other builds released today, will gradually begin to dispose of the system linked to profiles.
Access to the beta program, as stated in the release notes published by Apple, will therefore be regulated directly from the iOS Software Update menu (and other OS), where there is now a new item explicitly dedicated to receiving betas. Here, as we can see from the images proposed just below, you can choose whether to take part in the developer program, the public one or whether to stop receiving updates.
All this would seem to be a big simplification compared to the current system, however there is a small detail that is highlighted in the release notes: access to one of the beta programs must also be enabled for the Apple account linked to the device in use. This means that in order to actually access the developer channel you will also need to have a developer account, otherwise you will only be able to take part in the beta program when the public beta is opened.
At present, the profiles will continue to work for some time, but Apple has already confirmed that this system will be discontinued in the future. Probably this will happen with the release of iOS 17 and all the other software that will be presented at the next WWDC, thus making access to developer builds by the uninterested public more problematic. With this change Apple aims to strengthen control over who can and cannot test the new software in preview and it is likely that at this point the company can intervene against all those accounts that will use a version of the operating system not compatible with their status.
The change in the subscription to the beta program is therefore the most significant news as it warns users against incorrect use of builds reserved for developers, but iOS 16.4 brings with it many other changes that we list below.
New emojis: several emojis arrive (you can find them just below) that further expand the vast list of those already present
Push notifications for Safari: The new beta will allow web apps to send a push notification, as long as they are saved in the home. There is also the ability to save web apps from third-party browsers such as Chrome and Firefox
New HomeKit architecture: Apple has again introduced the last HomeKit architecture that had been removed in the past
More precise information for the SOS satellite function: the update introduces new alerts that inform us about the timing within which we will be under the coverage of the next passing satellite
Apple Card Saving: iOS 16.4 code suggests that the feature may be enabled with this software version
Controls for the always-on display within Full Immersion mode
New option in Commands to manage screen lock and display always on
Standalone 5G toggle for T-Mobile users: Achieve download speeds of up to 3 Gbps
Preview Mastodon links in Messages
New Coverage section in Settings -General > -> Info: allows you to manage the warranty data of your smartphone and connected devices
5G Support for Turkey
The Apple Music profile icon is visible in all tabs of the app
Podcasts app shows Next and Browse sections in CarPlay
Podcast channels available in the app’s library
In short, iOS 16.4 promises to be a really substantial update and will certainly be one of the last major builds until the release of iOS 17. Depending on how long the beta program will last, it is possible that there will also be room for a possible .5 version, but to find out we will have to wait for the conclusion of the current cycle.
