The developer beta versions of Apple’s next generation software are now at their third release. Usually, when the developer betas are at this stage, the public beta versions are imminent. Should you upgrade or wait for the public releases expected in September 2025?
With the public beta versions of macOS 25, iPadOS 26, iOS 26 and watchOS 25 expected to arrive in the next few days, many people will trying to device whether they should take the plunge and upgrade before the public release. There are good reasons for getting in as an early adopter but it does come with some risks.
How to upgrade to Apple’s beta versions
Upgrading to a beta version is easy.
- Go to Settings or System Settings (the name changes depending on whether you’re on a Mac, iPad or iPhone)
- Open General | Software update
- Click the ‘i’ symbol adjacent to the Beta Updates label
- Choose from the available options
What are the different beta versions?
Apple lets users try out several different beta streams
- Current version Public Beta
- Current version Developer Beta
- Next version Public Beta
- Next version Developer Beta
Developer betas are meant for software developers, system administrators and others who need to ensure applications and systems will still work when Apple releases the software to the broader public. But anyone with an Apple account can download a developer beta version. As a general rule, Developer Beta versions are more likely to have sub-par performance and be unstable.
Public betas are for users who want to see what Apple has in store for them but don’t want to run the gauntlet of a higher likelihood of system instability. Apple typically releases public betas after three rounds of developer beta versions.
But beware. Pre-release software, especially early developer betas, can be unstable and cause other applications to fail. If you’re planning to try out a developer or public beta, I’d recommend installing it to a second machine and not your main workhorse.
The pros of upgrading to the beta versions
Beta versions give you the opportunity to be amongst the first to see what Apple has in store.
Developers and system administrators will be keen try beta versions to ensure their applications continue to work with the release of macOS 26, iPad)S 26 and iOS 26 Apple has introduced a new design language called Liquid Glass. This may impact how different screen elements are displayed.
That will mean software may need to be altered and user manuals edited.
And Apple has a history of deprecating back-end features without a lot of warning. That can lead to applications or hardware not working. For example, several releases ago, Apple changed the way it managed audio at the operating system level. That resulted in older third-party equipment such as synthesisers and mixers not working even though the equipment was still working.
Beyond the possible endorphin rush that comes from being the first among your peers to try a new software feature, there’s not a lot of benefit for ordinary consumers.
The risks of upgrading to the beta versions
The risk comes down to one word – instability.
With beta versions, some software features may not work as expected and older applications or hardware may stop working. The good news is that it is possible to revert back to a working version of your operating system software. But it comes at the cost of wiping all your apps and data and sending your device back to factory settings.
How to revert back to the public release for iOS and iPadOS
The process to revert back to your previous software version will result in your device being reset to factory settings. All apps and data will be removed. You’ll need a Mac running the most current version of macOS.
- Connect your device to your computer, then put your device in recovery mode by:
- On an iPad without a Home button, press and quickly release the volume button closest to the top button, then the volume button farthest from the top button and then press and hold the top button until your iPad begins to restart. Note that you must hold the button for a while for this happen. Pressing a releasing quickly will result in the iPad or iPhone simply powering off and not entering recovery mode.
- For iPhone 8 and later, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button. Then press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen
- Click the Restore option when it appears. This erases your device and installs the current non-beta version of iOS or iPadOS.
- Sign on to your Apple Account to disable Activation Lock
How to revert back to the public release for macOS
Similarly to the iOS and iPadOS reversion process, restoring the latest non-beta version of macOS will result in wiping your Mac and reverting to factory settings. However, it is possible to avoid this.
Start by ensuring you have a reliable backup of all your critical data.
Option 1: Create a clone of your Mac before installing a beta version.
Using a tool like SuperDuper, you can clone your Mac. You can then use this system clone to restore your Mac back to where it was before you upgraded to a beta release.
Option 2: Use Apple’s system restoration option
- Un-enrol your Mac from the beta program by reversing the steps you used to enrol.
- Go to System Settings | General | Reset | Erase All Contents and Settings
This will reset your Mac and set up the most recent release of macOS 15 Sequoia. All your applications and data will need to be reinstalled.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.