If you've been following the coverage of Apple's WWDC, you'll surely have caught the announcement of iOS 9, the company's next major software update for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. It includes a number of new features, such as split-screen multitasking, as well as plenty of optimizations that should improve performance. The beta, like clockwork, usually hits the scene just after the official unveiling, and predictably, iOS 9 beta 1 is now up for download.
There are one or two terms and conditions attached to the beta, though. The most important factor to consider is that this beta is for developers only. So if you wish to install it on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, you will need to be a paying member of the Apple Developers Program. Not a big deal if you're not, though, because from next month, Apple will be adding a Public Beta download for non-developers looking to join in.
The other point to be mindful of is that iOS 9 beta 1 doesn't support every single iOS device. Luckily, there are no casualties from iOS 8, though, so if your iPhone, iPad or 5th-gen iPod touch can run the current software, it will also be ready for iOS 9.
To clear up any ambiguity, here's a list of devices ready for iOS 9 beta 1:
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 4s
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air 1
- iPad mini 3
- iPad mini 2
- iPad mini 1
- iPad 4
- iPad 3
- iPad 2
- iPod touch 5
Apart from disclosing that the Public Beta would be ready for July, Apple hasn't divulged any specifics on when it will be available. However, we'd expect it to be fairly similar to the developer beta line, since this is how Apple currently deals with general user betas with iOS 8.
Here is how to install iOS 9 on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch:
- Open iTunes and connect your iOS device to your Mac.
- Launch iTunes > select your device from the top right corner.
- Navigate to the Summary tab > hold down on Option key and click Update iPhone… (iPad or iPod touch) button.
- Select the .ipsw file from the folder and click on Open button.
- Click OK if prompted.
- Swipe the slider when you get Slide to upgrade.
- Your iOS device will reboot again.
- As usual, you’ll be greeted with the ‘Hello’ screen.
So, that's it. If you're a dev, pick up iOS 9 beta 1 right now, and leave us a comment below with your first impressions. If you're not a developer, you'll have to wait until next month, but in the meantime, have a look through all of iOS 9's major changes here.
Also, devs looking to test out the new OS X 10.11 El Capitan beta can find more information on the matter right here.
About the author: Rafia joined Wccftech in 2012 as a tech reporter. She is currently working on stories focusing on people and technologies that are turning Microsoft into a “company to watch” again. She is also responsible for collaborating with tech makers and e-commerce platforms to bring annoying but tempting deals to our readers.
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