How to enable developer mode on iPhone and iPad? The new Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone Xr, and iPad Pro in iOS 12 have several new features, including security settings and other options that are not available to a standard user. The good news about the introduction of developer mode on iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone Xr, and iPad in iOS 12 is that owners can access many features generally hidden in most Apple products.
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What is iOS developer mode?
The Developer Mode option means that you can control additional aspects of your iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr, giving you more control over settings. For example, you can enable advanced features like USB debugging.
If you’re interested in being a developer, installing third-party apps, or if you want to play games with your iPhone or iPad, then you’ll want to learn how to unlock the Developer Mode menu.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to activate developer mode on your Apple iOS 12 (or later) devices.
How to enable developer mode on iPhone and iPad in iOS 12 or later?
- Connect your iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr or iPad on iOS 12 to your Mac or PC with a lightning cable
- Press and hold the Home and Power buttons at the same time for at least 10 seconds on your iPhone or iPad
- Release the Power button while holding the Home button
- Then hold the button start for 10 additional seconds
- Release the button Start and wait for your screen to turn black, indicating that your iPhone Xs, Xs iPhone, and iPhone Max Xr have entered restart mode Firmware Update Device (DFU) for iPhone
iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode
When Itunes opens, a pop-up message will appear saying: “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. You must restore iPhone or iPad in iOS 11 /iOS 12 before you can use it with iTunes.”
In addition to the message stating that iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode, your iPhone or iPad screen should also turn black, confirming that you have successfully booted your device into Developer Mode.
To use developer mode, you must have a Mac computer and Xcode software. You can use the Mac or Xcode to turn on the Developer mode on your iPhone. Here’s how to enable developer mode on your iPhone.
How to enable developer mode on iPhone and iPad: Using Xcode
You can also enable developer mode on an iPhone by using Xcode. However, this is a longer process, and you need a Mac computer. But if you also need to use Xcode, this will be two birds with a stone, so follow these steps…
How to download and install Xcode to Mac?
Before utilizing the developer options on an iPhone, you must start downloading the Apple Xcode application on the system. You can only download and install Xcode to a Mac because this software is limited to use on a Mac.
- Open your web browser and go to Apple’s Developer Downloads webpage.
- After entering the login credentials, you should be able to access the developer window. To log in to the developer window, use your Apple ID and a secure password that has been registered with Apple.
- If you haven’t already logged in by entering the Apple account email and password, you must now type in the confirmation code. This code may also be used on an iPhone or another device where you are signed in with your Apple ID.
- Tap the Download option near the Xcode app’s title. Press the Download option given under Xcode release notes below the “Release Software” option.
- After that, you will be sent to the App Store Preview page on the new interface. Select View in Mac App Store from the drop-down menu. This option may be found on the right side beneath the Xcode symbol in the left column of the browsing software window.
- Select the Open App Store choice from the drop-down list. On the App Store screen, you’ll see an Xcode app.
- Tap the Get button. It’s the one with the Xcode symbol in the upper left corner of the App Store window. The Install App option becomes an olive color. Select Install App from the drop-down menu.
How to install and enable Xcode on Mac?
- Launch the Xcode application installed on the Mac using the search or app list.
- Now connect your iPhone to the Mac. Using a USB cable, you can easily pair your iPhone to the Mac.
- Next, you should go to the Settings application on your iPhone.
- Scroll down until you see the Developer option and tap on it.
New iOS 16 Developer Mode
There is a new Developer Mode in iOS 16 and watchOS 9. Users who have access to developer mode on their phones will be able to install apps immediately through Configurator, as long as they declare that they are developers. This may signify what will be necessary to use third-party app stores later.
Developers can now develop, publish, and distribute iOS apps on their iPhones for testing. Developers can give customers the option of using TestFlight to try out the app before release. Now Apple has introduced a new thing between these two, suggesting that Developer Mode may be a step toward allowing third-party applications on iPhone in the future.
In a new developer document, Apple said, “Developer Mode, introduced in iOS 16 and watchOS 9, protects people from inadvertently installing potentially harmful software on their devices and reduces attack vectors exposed by developer-only functionality.”
The document continues, “The feature doesn’t affect standard installation techniques like buying apps from the App Store or participating in a TestFlight team. Instead, Developer Mode focuses on scenarios like performing a Build and Run in Xcode, or installing an .ipa file with Apple Configurator.”
So the thing we understand from this document is that the apps distributed outside of the App Store will be in this .ipa format.
Apple says in the document, “In these cases, the device explicitly asks the person using it to confirm that they’re a developer aware of the risks of installing development-signed software.”
Opening Developer Mode requires a user to go through several steps, including rebooting the device and accepting numerous warnings. It’s not the case that a bad actor can turn it on and install harmful apps. If Apple’s new choice is a step towards an alternative future with third-party app stores, the company isn’t giving up on its effort to keep control.
Is it safe to enable developer mode?
No, there is no technical or security problem with developer settings enabled on your iPhone or iPad. The reason why they are usually disabled is that they aren’t important for regular users, and some of the options can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Developer settings include features that allow you to change how your device works, which is why they can be dangerous. For example, you can use the Settings app to enable or disable USB Restricted Mode. If you disable this setting, anyone with physical access to your device will be able to connect it to a computer and access your data. So if you’re not a developer, we recommend that you leave the developer settings on your device.
What can developer mode do?
Developer mode on your iPhone or iPad gives you access to additional settings meant for developers. These settings can change how your device works, and they can be dangerous if used incorrectly. For example, you can use the Settings app to enable or disable USB Restricted Mode. If you disable this setting, anyone with physical access to your device will be able to connect it to a computer and access your data. So if you’re not a developer, we recommend that you leave the developer settings on your device.
Can I enable developer mode without being a developer?
No, you do not need to be a registered developer with Apple to enable the Developer Mode settings. This setting is for people developing apps for iOS, and it’s not meant for regular users. But sometimes, as a regular user, you might need to enable developer options on your iPhone or iPad to make a little unusual modification.
Will developer options drain my device’s battery?
If you are confident in using your device’s developer options, you may turn off animations. Animations look nice while using your phone and help to highlight important information, but they can slow down performance and drain battery life. They do, however, need Developer Mode to be enabled, so it’s not for beginner-level users.
Today we explained how to enable developer mode on iPhone and iPad regardless of your iOS or iPadOS version, hope this helped you.
