iOS 9 Beta out to developers and the public

(REUTERS)

With rumors surrounding new iOS 9 features and upgrades, Apple users cannot wait to get their hands on the latest mobile operating system. Now that its third beta phase is out to developers, the technology company is also letting some users in on the fun by allowing them to download the latest beta version to their devices.

Apple has seeded the third iOS 9 beta, build 13A4293f, to developers so they can test for compatibility and make necessary changes to applications and games before the latest iOS version becomes public. But the public need not wait. Some Mac insider websites have reported that the Cupertino-based company, for the first time since the announcement of iOS 9, is making the beta version available to the public.

Wired details how iPhone and iPad users can help in the iOS 9 development. Just head on to beta.apple.com, sign-up, then download the consumer beta. The sign-up process is fairly easy. Log in with your Apple ID, select iOS 9 when prompted, and one will immediately get started by simply enrolling the device. This step is important as the next steps will differ depending on the iPhone or iPad model.

The download is 213 MB heavy, however, it is not a problem if a user's device has limited memory as the update will prompt if deletion of apps is okay (they will reappear after the update has been installed).

But this being a beta version means downloading it comes with its own risks. Even with iOS 9 optimized for most iOS devices (most likely those that can also support iOS 8), a beta version carries with it risks of possibly bricking a device. Most iOS users know that even official releases can cause problems, especially for older devices, what more a beta release.

iOS 9 includes some major updates to Apple's mobile operating system. It will unveil the fresh Apple News app and an updated Apple Music, which was met with criticisms during its initial release. It will also sport the promised two-factor authentication system.

It officially goes public this fall.

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