Apple is planning to have its first-ever public testing program with the iOS 8.3 beta. The program is said to be in preparation for the iOS 9 release, as it involves the removal of any bugs found in the current operating system. It also includes putting in a few extra features if necessary.
The iOS 8.3 beta (codenamed Stowe) was first distributed earlier this month. Apple’s mobile OS comes with several enhancements that include Wireless CarPlay compatibility, new Emoji keyboard, new Siri voice, as well as better accessibility to Google services. A second iOS 8.3 beta release should come out next week with bug fixes and more improvements.
Apple’s iOS 8.4 should be coming out as well, and it is likely to include support for the new app-based Beats Music Service. Based on previous reports, Apple already made a deal with Beats last year as their main music streaming service
The company also had a similar beta testing program for its most recent desktop operating system, the OS X Yosemite. The program encourages MacPC users to register in order to receive the software before it’s officially released to the public. Registered users are requested to submit any bugs in exchange for the free software.
The idea of the iOS 8.3 beta program is to provide a more reliable and stable operating system in time for the official launch of the iOS 9. Apple is currently under fire for the lack of quality control in iOS 8. They thought that a public beta version of the iOS allow them to reduce the call for unauthorized sales of beta releases coming from developers.
Apple Vice President for iPhone and iOS Marketing Greg Joswiak shared his thought to the public about the growing black market. He said that Apple planned to fight those in the future starting with the iOS 8.3 beta testing program.
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