Apple released OS X Yosemite as a public beta last year before the official release of the software and now it would appear that the company has similar plans for iOS.
At the moment iOS betas are only released to developers, although according to Mark Gurman from 9 to 5 Mac, Apple will start releasing iOS public betas.
iOS 8.3 Public Beta Release
The first iOS public beta release will apparently be iOS 8.3 beta and this is expected to be made available some time in March.
Apple’s iOS 8.3 will bring a range of new features to iOS devices, which will include support for Wireless CarPlay, some updates to Siri and more. Wireless CarPlay will allow users to connect their iPhones to their car’s infotainment system without the need for a physical cable, making it more convenient and user-friendly. Additionally, Siri will receive updates that improve its functionality and responsiveness, potentially including new languages and better integration with third-party apps.
Looking Ahead to iOS 9
Apple will also announce iOS 9 at their WWDC in June and the company is expected to release a public beta of iOS 9 this summer ahead of the launch of the OS in September or October with the new iPhone 6S.
iOS 9 is anticipated to bring a host of new features and improvements. One of the key focuses is expected to be performance enhancements and stability improvements, addressing some of the issues users have faced with previous versions. Additionally, iOS 9 may introduce new multitasking capabilities, especially for iPad users, allowing for a more productive and efficient user experience.
Another rumored feature is Proactive, a new initiative by Apple to make iOS smarter and more contextually aware. Proactive could potentially integrate with Siri, Contacts, Calendar, and other apps to provide users with timely information and suggestions based on their habits and routines.
Security is also likely to be a major focus in iOS 9. With increasing concerns about privacy and data protection, Apple may introduce new security features to safeguard user information. This could include enhancements to Touch ID, more robust encryption methods, and additional privacy settings.
Furthermore, iOS 9 might bring improvements to Apple Pay, expanding its availability to more countries and adding support for additional banks and financial institutions. This would make it easier for users around the world to take advantage of Apple’s mobile payment system.
In terms of design, while iOS 9 is not expected to bring a major overhaul, there may be subtle refinements to the user interface, making it more intuitive and visually appealing. Apple may also introduce new customization options, allowing users to personalize their devices to a greater extent.
Overall, the introduction of public betas for iOS marks a significant shift in Apple’s approach to software development. By allowing a broader audience to test and provide feedback on upcoming releases, Apple can identify and address issues more effectively, ultimately leading to a more polished and reliable final product.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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