At WWDC 2015, Apple announced new versions of iOS and OS X that are available now to developers for beta testing. Though developers get the first shot at testing the new operating systems, Apple also makes beta versions available to a group of eligible consumers who are interested in demoing Apple’s operating systems before they are released publicly. Continue reading for instructions on how to sign up for this beta program and obtain pre-release versions of Apple’s software.
Apple will be making both iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan available publicly for beta testing in July. Before you can download the software when it is released next month, you have to sign up and be accepted into the beta testing program. Signing up requires only an Apple ID and takes a few minutes of your time.
- Open Apple’s Beta Software Program web page.
- Select the blue Sign Up button.
- Login using your Apple ID.
- Read and then accept the terms and conditions for beta users.
- When you’re done, select Accept to submit your online application form.
Apple will then contact you via email when you have been accepted into the program. This email will contain instructions on how to register your iOS or OS X device. It’ll also provide details on how to download and install the current version of the beta software.
The beta software will be a full version of the operating system that will replace your existing version. You should install the operating system on a non-essential device and not your daily driver as the beta may contain bugs and other inaccuracies that affect system performance. Before you being the installation process, you also should backup your iOS or OS X device so you don’t lose any important data.
You should install this beta software after careful consideration as it is not easy to revert to a previously released version of iOS or OS X. If you encounter problems and want to go back, you must first remove the beta software from your system and then reinstall the most recent version of iOS or OS X. Finally, you can restore your data from a previously saved iTunes or Time Machine backup.
Once you have a beta version installed, you can try out the new features of the operating system and report any bugs to Apple. When new releases are available, you can quickly apply these updates incrementally and not worry about having to download and install the entire operating system and all its associated files.
