An interesting development is that Apple no longer charges a $99 annual subscription fee to access the most recent developer betas, enabling anyone to sign up and get the most recent version of Apple software for free. This contains the developer betas of watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, and iPadOS 17.
You need just to use your Apple ID to register for the Apple Developer Program if you wish to test out the new software. After that, people can sign up and obtain developer betas ahead of the debut of the public beta.
Benefits and resources
| Sign In with Your Apple ID | Apple Developer Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Xcode developer tools | ● | ● |
| Xcode beta releases | ● | ● |
| On-device testing | ● | ● |
| Apple Developer Forums | ● | ● |
| Bug reporting with Feedback Assistant | ● | ● |
| OS beta releases | ● | ● |
| Full access to a comprehensive set of development tools | ● | |
| Advanced app capabilities and services | ● | |
| Code-level support | ● | |
| App distribution on the App Store | ● | |
| App management, testing, and analytics with App Store Connect | ● | |
| Safari Extensions distribution | ● | |
| Software distribution outside the Mac App Store | ● | |
| Custom app distribution with Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager | ● | |
| Proprietary app distribution to your employees with Apple Business Manager | ● | |
| Ad hoc distribution for testing and internal use | ● | |
| Access to members-only developer events or additional event content | ● | |
| Cost | Free | 99 USD** |
The new Developer free tier also gives users access to beta versions, Xcode developer tools, on-device testing, the Apple Developer Forums, and Feedback Assistant for reporting bugs. Paid developer accounts also receive app distribution on the App Store and a number of other benefits and supports from Apple.
