Attention, iOS beta testers: Apple just launched iOS 9’s third public beta on Thursday, and it is available now as a software update.
Much like the El Capitan public beta, Apple doesn’t share details as to what specifically is changing in this beta release, but the company does recommend that all beta users install the update when they can. If you’re a member of Apple’s Beta Software Program, you can install the update from your iPhone or iPad over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
iOS 9 is the first version of iOS that Apple has made available as a public beta—meaning anyone can sign up to use this pre-release software. Before, you had to join Apple’s developer program for $99 per year for this access. Apple started the Beta Software Program for OS X in 2014 with OS X 10.10 Yosemite, and continued the program this year with OS X 10.11 El Capitan and iOS 9.
Itching to learn more about the iOS 9 beta? Check out our iOS 9 public beta FAQ. It’s not too late to sign up for the Beta Software Program, but iOS 9’s full release is just around the corner—and, keep in mind, with any beta program, there will be bugs.
Don’t want to commit to the beta, but want to learn more about iOS 9’s new apps and features? We’ve got you covered:
- iOS 9: Five small features that will change your life
- Hands-on with Maps in iOS 9: Introducing public transit and more accurate data
- Mail in iOS 9: Three huge changes that will make email less awful
- 15 new iOS 9 features that are rocking our world
- Meet the new Notes, iOS 9’s feature-packed Evernote rival
- Hands-on with News in iOS 9: Apple’s response to Facebook and Snapchat’s content platforms
- Hands-on with iOS 9’s slick new multitasking features for iPad
- Hands-on with iCloud Drive, a brand-new app in the iOS 9 public beta
- Low Power mode in iOS 9 saves battery life by slowing performance
Author: Leah Yamshon, Associate Managing Editor
Leah Yamshon is a former Macworld editor.