Apple is cracking down on websites that are sharing download links for Apple beta software, like iOS 16, iPadOS 16 macOS 13 Ventura, and other pre-release software. At least two such websites – BetaProfiles.com and IPSW.dev – are no longer available.
BetaProfiles.com has tweeted that it shut down to avoid a “legal battle with Apple.” BetaProfiles.com told MacRumors that it received a letter from lawyers representing Apple and had shut down the website to avoid potential litigation.
Also, lawyers representing Apple at Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP allegedly provided Twitter with a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice related to over a dozen tweets containing links to websites like IPSW.dev. The alleged notice claimed that the tweets infringed on Apple’s proprietary beta software. All of the tweets listed are no longer visible.
IPSW.dev provided access to IPSW files for the iOS 16 developer beta and other pre-release Apple software, as well as download links to Apple’s servers, file sharing website WeTransfer, and torrents. BetaProfiles.com had posted links to both beta profiles and IPSW files.
Apple’s developer betas are only intended for members of the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99 per year in the United States.
Non-developers that are interested in trying out betas of Apple’s latest and greatest for free can sign up for Apple’s public beta program.