What are the specific risks from Developer Mode on iOS?

Question

Because iOS simulator no longer supports BLE (I think), I sometimes need to test my internal distribution app (using Expo development server) on a hardware device. But since iOS 16, in order to do this, it is necessary to enable "Developer Mode" on the device. According to the setting's instructions this results in "reduced" security.

Exactly what risks do I expose myself to when I turn on "Developer Mode" on my iOS (16+) device?

Answer 1

I'll quote Apple from Enabling Developer Mode on a device:

Developer Mode, [..], protects people from inadvertently installing potentially harmful software on their devices, and reduces attack vectors exposed by developer-only functionality.

Enabling Developer Mode makes it possible to install apps that aren't coming from the App Store, that's the risk.

Example situation: you plug two iPhones to your Mac, one for developing, one for charging. If you had enabled Developer Mode on both devices, you could accidentally install apps with Xcode on the wrong device if you're not careful. To prevent accidental installations, only enable Developer Mode on device where you're OK to install non-App Store apps.

Side note: Developer Mode is compatible with Lockdown Mode, so you can have them both enabled simultaneously if you want.