iOS 7 Gold Master: How to Install Legally via Developer Account or Registered UDID [GUIDE]

In line with expectations, Apple has seeded the final developer release of iOS 7, the iOS 7 Gold Master (GM), following the iPhone launch event on 10 September at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California. The iOS 7 GM is now available for beta-testing to registered developers via iOS Dev Center as part of developer program.

The Gold Master release will be the final build of iOS 7 before the software is publicly released on 18 September. As no major changes will be incorporated into the iOS software following the GM release, it will carry the same build number as the one that ships with new iPhones at the time of release.

As with previous GM builds the iOS 7 GM continues to cease support for Over-The-Air (OTA) updates on all iOS devices. However, Apple recognised developers and iOS users with registered UDID can follow our step-by-step guide to install the same via iOS Dev Center.

iOS 7 GM Device Compatibility

Check out the iOS 7 compatibility chart for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in the screenshot below (click here to view full image):

iOS 7 GM is compatible with the following iOS devices:

• iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4

• iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2 and iPad mini

• iPod touch 5

Here are the direct download links of iOS 7 Gold Master for registered Apple developers and iOS users with registered UDIDs:

• iPad (4th generation Model A1458)

• iPad (4th generation Model A1459)

• iPad (4th generation Model A1460)

• iPad mini (Model A1432)

• iPad mini (Model A1454)

• iPad mini (Model A1455)

• iPad Wi-Fi (3rd generation)

• iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (model for ATT)

• iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (model for Verizon)

• iPad 2 Wi-Fi (Rev A)

• iPad 2 Wi-Fi

• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (GSM)

• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (CDMA)

• iPhone 5 (Model A1428)

• iPhone 5 (Model A1429)

• iPhone 4S

• iPhone 4 (GSM Rev A)

• iPhone 4 (GSM)

• iPhone 4 (CDMA)

• iPod touch (5th generation)

Pre-requisites

• Verify that your device appears in the device compatibility list given above.

• Ensure the latest version of iTunes is installed on your computer (PC or Mac).Download the latest version of iTunes (v11.0.5) for Windows and Mac.

• Make sure to backup data on your device via iCloud or iTunes to your PC or Mac, to avoid data loss during the iOS 7 upgrade/restore process.

IBTimes UK brings you a step-by-step guide to install iOS 7 Gold Master on any aforementioned iOS device via developer account or registered UDID, courtesy of Redmond Pie.

How to Install iOS 7 GM Legally via Developer Account or Registered UDID

Step 1: Copy/paste the following URL into your browser:"developer.apple.com/programs/ios/" to sign up for the iOS Developer Program at iOS Dev Center.

NOTE: A registered Apple ID is essential to proceed with the developer enrolment program. The registration process costs you $99 per annum in US or £60 per year in the UK. The process involves entering your account info, select a program type, review and submit your program, agree to the terms and conditions, purchase the program type you selected and finally activate the program.

Step 2: Once you are done with program activation, copy the following URL into the browser: "developer.apple.com/devcenter/ios/index.action" Then sign in to your account using your registered Apple ID.

Step 3: After signing in, find and register your device's UDID on the developer website. To find your device's UDID: connect it to iTunes, select it and then click on the serial number to reveal its UDID. Then copy it by pressing Ctrl+c on Windows or Command+C on Mac. Now, navigate to the URL: developer.apple.com/account/ios/device/deviceList.action in your web browser and assign any suitable name for your device. Then insert the UDID and hit Continue to register your device.

Step 4: To download iOS 7 GM, choose iOS 7 SDK Beta on the developer website and then click on Downloads. Finally, download the IPSW file meant for your device.

Step 5: Your download file should be in ".dmg" format. If you are running on a Mac, extract the .IPSW from the .dmg file locally or if running Windows, then you will need a program such as 7-Zip for this task.

Step 6: Once the .IPSW file is extracted, you can easily restore your device to the latest firmware via iTunes. Verify that your important data is backed up to avoid data loss during the restore process.

Step 7: Connect your device to computer (PC or Mac) by holding Shift key in Windows or Alt key in OS X and then click Restore. Now, select the .IPSW file that you extracted in Step 5 via iTunes

Step 8: Wait for a few minutes while iTunes completes the restore process and your device is all set to run iOS 7 Gold Master.

NOTE: Those who have already upgraded their device to the latest version of iOS 7, can follow our step-by-step guide to downgrade iOS 7 Beta to more stable iOS 6 versions.

ALSO READ: iOS 7 Final Download links for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch [How to Manually Install]