Apple Rumored To Bring Public Beta Program To iOS

On release of OS X Yosemite, Apple opened up a fairly open public beta of the new desktop operating system. It worked really well, too. Those who were clamoring to get a chance to see changes ahead of time could, and it contributed some really important feedback straight to Apple. A new reports suggests the same may be happening for iOS, as upcoming releases could see a public beta — a first for iOS. This program is said to start as early as March, too.

With iOS 8.3, Apple is reportedly set to offer it up as a public beta ahead of the official release. This is said to come via AppleSeed, Apple's program for — wait for it — seeding beta releases of software.

The first beta for iOS is said to happen in mid-March, which likely means an official iOS build for version 8.3 would be a solid month away from that release, if the report and timeline are accurate.

To help provide feedback, the beta builds will come with a dedicated app that reports bugs or other issues directly to Apple.

The Developer beta for iOS 8.3 is already out, and has some improvements for things like CarPlay, as well some updates to Siri. The versions of iOS before and after 8.3 — iOS 8.2 and 8.4 — have features (or alleged features) people will find much more interesting. The iOS 8.2 build has some Apple Watch verbiage, while 8.4 is believed to bring Apple's rumored iTunes streaming service.

Aside from the 8.3 public beta, Apple is believed to be doing the same with iOS 9 later on. It's rumored Apple will release iOS 9 at WWDC, along with a public beta, then a final version later in the year. There was no word on whether or not iOS 8.4 would see a beta program.

Source: 9to5Mac