BREAKING NEWS: Second Life iOS/Android app now in private alpha for Premium+ subscribers. Here’s how to request access!

As announced last June, Linden Lab has announced closed alpha testing of its upcoming iOS/Android mobile app for Second Life. That is, if you have a new device and are a Premium+ subscriber:

Currently, Private Alpha is only available to Second Life Premium Plus users. We will continually review applications and add eligible residents to the Private Alpha program. Demand is high but staff are limited, so please be patient! All Premium Plus subscribers can participate in the Private Alpha, but we’ll add users in smaller groups over time.

The Second Life mobile app is currently being developed and optimized for both iOS and Android devices. To participate in the Private Alpha, you’ll need an iOS device (minimum version: iPhone X running iOS 16.6.1) or a mid-range Android device running Android OS 13 (similar to Pixel 6 or higher). Or higher.

There is no data on how many SL users have a Premium+ subscription, which costs $25 per month or $250 per year, but it could be quite a number.

When we surveyed our readers last year about this pricey option, a surprising one in four said they would pay for it. Now that our mobile app is available first to Premium+ subscribers, we’re confident we’ll see a significant increase in sign-ups. This may be a way to avoid any App Store/Google Play court battles, since requiring a premium Second Life subscription up front for access completely shuts down Google and Apple’s payment process.

If you’re a Premium+ subscriber looking to sign up for access, here are some tips from SL Reddit user Hal Jordan.

• • Visitsupport.secondlife.comMake sure you are logged in with your Premium Plus account.

  • on the right side of the pageContact Support

  • Please click the following link:Submit a support case formAlternatively, there is a button at the top of the page like this:Submit a ticket

  • for someonecategory,Choosepremium plus

  • From the Premium Plus dropdown, select:Second Life Mobile Private Alpha Application

  • Complete the ticket fields as requested and click.submit

One of the fields in the form is: "Please provide the AppleID or GoogleID you use on your mobile device. (This information is required to activate your beta invitation and will not be used for any other purpose.)" On my Android phone, I went to Settings > About Phone and forwarded emails from my phone. "google account" field. The form cannot be submitted unless you add text. "Additional information" field. Let’s see if it works.

This follows a similar approach taken by VRChat, which was the first to launch its own mobile app exclusively for paid subscribers. And yet — or because! — Despite its limitations, VRChat’s app has been downloaded over 50,000 times!