Apple on Monday unveiled iOS 10, a massive software update for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that’s going to be released this fall when the iPhone 7 is released. However, it’s likely that millions of iOS developers have already installed the first iOS 10 beta that was made available soon after the keynote ended. Of course, you don’t need to be a developer to use iOS 10 right now. Users who don’t have access to a developer account and don’t want to wait until July to get their hands on the first public beta version of iOS 10 can download and install iOS 10 right away by following the incredibly easy directions below.
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For years, early iOS adopters had access to developer beta versions. The legal route involves either paying the $99 yearly fee for Apple’s developer program or getting access to a friend’s account. Starting in 2015, Apple rolled out a public beta program for iOS, which is the recommended way to get iOS beta updates that typically get released to the public a day after developers get them. But when a brand new version of iOS is announced at WWDC, people have to wait until it’s stable before Apple releases a public beta.
The shadier path involves taking advantage of certain flaws in Apple’s iOS update process, which is probably the preferred method following WWDC.
YouTube channel iCrackUriDevice is one of the web resources that offers constant information on how to bypass Apple’s restrictions and run developer beta builds without access to a developer account, and the channel has figured out how to install the first iOS 10 beta on any supported device.
Sadly – or thankfully, depending on your perspective – Apple closed the previous loophole that made this process possible. It’s probably for the best because it came with several warnings and potentially annoying side effects.
The new method is still frowned upon, but it doesn’t involve any tricks. In fact, you don’t even need a computer to perform the installation. All you have to do is use a search engine to find a publicly available link to the developer profile, install the profile directly on your iPhone or iPad, and then install iOS 10 beta 1 just like you would install a regular iOS update. You’ll also almost certainly then seamlessly move to future iOS 10 beta once they roll out in the coming weeks.
The process is incredibly easy and fast. But I’ll note once again that it’s frowned upon, given that you’re installing the software you shouldn’t have access to in the first place. It might even prevent you from receiving service at an Apple Store, and it’s also the kind of trick Apple might kill in the future, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Check out the following video to see how it works.
