Apple has been releasing iOS software updates at an incredibly fast pace. The betas keep coming, both for developers and for public beta testers. But to sign up for any of the programs, you need to go to the Apple developer website or Apple’s public beta website. It also requires installing a profile that changes the software update tracking your phone is on.
Apple internal devices can be switched to the beta track directly on the device without installing a profile or navigating to the developer’s website. Apple can simplify this experience for public users and developers, even without launching a new application. In fact, they already have an Apple Developer app and a TestFlight app that can be used to install betas or iOS profiles.
The Developer app already has a tab for your account and most of the content on the Apple developer portal. The only things that are missing are the software update and the application downloads.
New tabs in ‘Developer’ and ‘TestFlight’
A new tab on Apple’s Developer and TestFlight applications can be added only to download future applications or software updates. A simple switch can be used to enroll your iPhone in the beta program. You would be able to see all the downloads available on your iPhone directly in the app, making the developer’s website a necessity only on the Mac or other devices.
You would be able to see all the important details. In the beta feed, you can see the release dates, release notes and who the download should be used for. Your iPhone would know if your Apple ID is enrolled in the developer program, so the Developer application may know if you should be able to see the beta guide. Anyone can download the TestFlight app and sign up for the AppleSeed public beta test program.
More information and watchOS betas
Apple’s Developer and TestFlight applications can show all release notes, even while they are in progress. It would be easier than ever to see all the known issues with each particular beta.
If your iPhone has a paired Apple Watch, a new option will appear in either application. You can then enroll your Apple Watch in the watchOS beta program.
Notifications and more
In addition to the integrated notifications that Apple provides through the Settings app for available software updates, the Developer app can send you a notification that allows you to view the release notes. They could treat developer app notifications as developer-focused Apple Newsroom alerts.
You can also see what the hypothetical beta guide for the Developer app would look like in dark mode.
What do you think of this solution to install iOS beta? Do you think it would be more simplified? Let us know in the comments below.
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