iOS Developer Mode Enabler Tool for iOS 16

A simple Python utility to enable Developer Mode on connected iOS 16 devices using pymobiledevice3, designed for Windows and Linux environments where Xcode is unavailable.

Supported iOS Versions

• iOS 16: Fully Supported. The script can programmatically trigger Developer Mode enabling and reboot the device over USB.
• iOS 15 and lower: Not Required. Developer Mode was introduced in iOS 16. Local developer-signed apps run natively without it.
• iOS 17 and later: Not Supported. Apple blocked programmatic activation of Developer Mode on iOS 17+. Devices running iOS 17+ must be enabled manually on-device or revealed by sideloading an app using signing utilities (e.g., Sideloadly, AltStore, or 3uTools on Windows).

Prerequisites

Before running the script, make sure you have the following installed on your machine:

1. Python 3: Verify by running python --version.
2. iTunes / Apple Devices Drivers (Windows only):
   • For the tool to detect and communicate with your iOS device over USB, you must have Apple's USB drivers installed.
   • You can install these by downloading and installing iTunes (via the Microsoft Store or Apple website) or the Apple Devices app.
   • Ensure the Apple Mobile Device Service is running.
3. USB Connection:
   • Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer via USB.
   • Unlock your device and tap "Trust This Computer" (entering your passcode if prompted).

Installation

Install the required pymobiledevice3 library using pip:

pip install pymobiledevice3

Usage

1. Open your terminal/command prompt.
2. Navigate to the script's directory.
3. Run the script:

python iOS_16_Enable_developer_mode.py

How it works:

1. System Diagnostics: The script will verify that your Apple USB drivers are active and that pymobiledevice3 is installed.
2. Device Discovery: The script will check for connected iOS devices.
   • If one device is found, it will display its name, model, iOS version, and UDID.
   • If multiple devices are found, it will prompt you to select the correct one.
3. Confirmation Prompt: You will be asked if you want to proceed.
4. Automatic Reboot: Upon confirmation, the script sends the Developer Mode enable command. Your iOS device will automatically restart.
5. Search for "Developer Mode" in Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode and enable it.

Support the Project

   

Credits

• doronz88 — Built the pymobiledevice3 library.

License

Licensed under the GPL-3.0 license.