iOS 8 Beta 4 release date on July 21, Earlier than previous releases; Health app in focus

Apple has been releasing beta versions of its upcoming mobile operating system, iOS 8, and according to BGR, July 21 is the scheduled date for iOS 8 Beta 4 release.

Though it seems irregular to have July 21 as the next release date, since there has been a steady three-week gap between previous iOS 8 Beta releases, BGR has a good scoop for Apple's iOS beta releases.

The Beta 3 version was released on July 7, while Beta 2 came out June 17.

The iOS 8 Beta 3 gave a closer look at the Health app, which will serve as the hub for all fitness and health-related stuff. It monitors both the user's steps and calories thanks to Apple's M7 chip and without requiring any third-party providers.

The Health app's data can be useful to users who want to keep track of their progress by day, by week, by month and so on.

The Health app is the main focus for the new iOS 8 and is expected to be interfaced with third party apps and services according to the user's preferences.

Along with iOS 8 Beta 3 there were some bug fixes, much to the relief of those who use the iOS 8 Beta on their personal iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Apple does not recommend owners to use the Beta for personal everyday use however, due to potential bugs.

The iOS 8 Beta releases can be downloaded over-the-air (OTA) and via Apple's developer portal, for compatible devices.

The iOS 8 Beta is compatible with iPhone 4s, all iPhone 5 versions, iPod touch 5th gen, iPad Air, iPad 2, iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina, iPad 3 and iPad 4.

To date, it is not known how many iOS 8 beta versions there will be before its actual release date this fall, especially since all previous iOS versions have had a different number of betas.

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