YOU can quietly upgrade your online accounts to get special features that millions of other people are missing out on.
It turns out that Netflix, WhatsApp, and even your iPhone have special clubs where you can get bonus perks.
You can choose the Public Beta that you’d like to join in your iPhone’s Settings app[/caption]
Importantly, they’re free to join – if you know how.
IPHONE
First up is your iPhone, which has a special club that you can sign up for to unlock extra features.
It’s called the Apple Beta Software Program, and lets you test out upcoming iOS updates for your iPhone.
That means you’ll get the newest features before they roll out to the general public.
You might experience some bugs as a result, but you can leave at any time if you don’t like it.
Just go to the Apple Beta Software Program website here, and log in with your Apple ID.
Follow the instructions, then restart your iPhone.
Now go to Settings > General > Software Update, and you’ll see an option for Beta Updates.
Then simply install the beta update to get the newest features.
Bear in mind that this won’t work if you have a very old iPhone that can’t update to the latest version – in this case, iOS 18.
iOS 18 devices – can your iPhone get it?
Here are the devices that can get the new iOS 18 update
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
NETFLIX
There are actually three different ways to unlock experimental Netflix content.
The first is called Test Participation, and it’s actually on by default.
It lets Netflix try out features on you before rolling them out to everyone.
Just go to the Netflix website, click on your profile picture, then go to Account > Settings.
Netflix lets you try out experimental features[/caption]
Then simply make sure that Test Participation is turned on.
“Participate in tests to help improve the Netflix experience and see potential changes before they are available to all members,” said Netflix.
Another trick is to sign up to the Netflix app beta on your Android phone.
“If you’re interested in testing updates to the Netflix mobile app for Android before they’re released, you can join Netflix beta testing on the Google Play Store,” Netflix explains.
You’ll just need an Android phone, a Google Play Store account, and an active Netflix subscription.
Then go here and click Become A Tester.
Third is the Netflix Preview Club, which is a little more complicated to join.
Once you’re in it, you can watch TV shows and movies before they’re released.
NETFLIX CLUB INSIDERS REVEAL WHAT IT’S LIKE
Here are some comments from Reddit users in 2024 who say they received the special invitation..
Secret Member #1
“I did this last year. Watched about seven movies. Including some amazing ones that were not released yet, and some Oscar nominees. Also was invited to a small focus group to discuss the films. Pretty cool stuff. Some of the movies come out and it’s funny that I have watched over a year ago.”
Secret Member #2
“I was invited last year. I was sent a total of three movies, but I haven’t received anything in almost a year. The last movie I received was either last March or April. I’m not even sure if I’m still a part of it. When I contacted Netflix, they told me that if I was invited then I am still in it, but it doesn’t seem like I am. I checked my email often, so I’m not sure. I think it’s a cool concept though and I enjoyed it while I was getting things sent to me.”
Secret Member #3
“I don’t even remember signing up for it and got the PIN today. I probably did, but when I have no memory of this. I am on a similar one for Disney+ and you sign the NDA before you start any surveys.”
Secret Member #4
“I’ve done it a couple times so far. It’s super interesting seeing things before their final edit.”
And you can even give feedback so the content can be changed before it properly debuts.
“Each screening involves watching a movie or an episode of a TV show, followed by a 10 to 20-minute survey,” Netflix explains.
“Depending on the TV show or movie runtime, it could take anywhere from 40 minutes to about three and a half hours.”
Sadly, it’s an invite-only club – and joining is a bit of a mystery.
You’ll be pre-selected based on two criteria:
- Your viewing behaviour
- How long you’ve been a Netflix member
If you receive an email to join, it will only come from one of the following two addresses:
- noreply@netflixpreviewclub.com
- noreply@members.netflix.com
BONUS WAY TO WATCH
Netflix says that there’s a third way to watch preview content…
“While the primary account owner needs to join Netflix Preview Club, screenings can be enjoyed by everyone you live with,” Netflix explains.
“Regardless of their age (just remember that everyone who watches must keep the information confidential).
“Each screening invite includes details about the show or movie, like a plot summary and estimated rating, so you can make informed choices about who to watch with.
“Sometimes, we specifically encourage you to watch with certain types of people, such as kids, when we have an animated show or movie available.”
You’ll just have to keep your fingers crossed and hope.
Like Apple and Netflix, WhatsApp also offers a beta program.
This lets you try out features before they go live to the world.
WhatsApp is constantly testing upgrades in its beta app, so there’s always something new to look out for.
You’ll need an Android phone and a Google Play Store account.
Then simply head here to sign up.
The bad news is that the beta can fill up, so you might need to check back if there’s no room right now.
