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Apple releases iOS 8.3 Public Beta (build 12F5047f), Beta Program now comprises both iOS and OS X

VBqmnpx

Apple has updated its Apple Seed website to include many references to iOS device management. It has also updated the name of its program to ‘Apple Beta Software Program’, dropping the specificity of it being for OS X only.

Apple is now offering iOS 8.3 as a public beta. Interested customers can sign up to be part of the program on this website. After signing up, you can enroll into the iOS public beta program. (Note: The program is still rolling out. A link to join the iOS program may not appear immediately upon registration).

9to5Mac reported that this was in the works a few weeks ago, with a launch due for mid-March. In addition, we exclusively revealed that Apple is gearing up to offer the same public beta scheme for iOS 9, in the summer.

The published changes mirror what we have already covered for the iOS 8.3 developer seeds.

The iOS 8.3 Beta includes improved performance, increased stability, bug fixes, and a redesigned Emoji keyboard. This release also supports additional language and country support for Siri: English (India, New Zealand), Danish (Denmark), Dutch (Netherlands), Portuguese (Brazil), Russian (Russia), Swedish (Sweden), Thai (Thailand), Turkish (turkey). This is beta software that is still in development, which means some applications and services may not work as expected. Follow the instructions below to enroll any iOS devices to receive beta updates.

The installation process for iOS public beta is interesting. Users in the program are first told to backup their device to iTunes. Then, they are instructed to download a configuration profile from the AppleSeed website which allows the beta to show up in Software Update.

Screen Shot 2015-03-12 at 11.37.29 AM 2

Apple’s website now includes tips with iOS troubleshooting for people who run the beta. For example, Apple says in its FAQ how to restore the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running a beta OS back to a shipping version of iOS:

How do I get a shipping version of iOS back on my iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch?
Always back up your iOS device before installing beta software. To get a shipping release of iOS on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can simply install the final version of the software you are testing when it appears in Software Update. If you would like to go back to a previously released version, you must first erase the beta software, then re-install the latest shipping version of iOS, and finally restore from your previously saved iTunes backup.

The homepage also suggests using a computer to backup an iOS device to iTunes before using beta software. Earlier, Apple released iOS 8.3 beta 3 for developers with new filtering options for Messages.

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Comments

  1. Aaron M. Bielert - 9 years ago

    iOS beta is now there, you just have to download profile and restart your device

    • RDale - 9 years ago

      For public?

    • Marcelo Regis Bernardo - 9 years ago

      How to do it? I am enrolled in OX Beta Program and there’s no link above.

    • deangelorodriguez - 9 years ago

      I’m also enrolled in the beta program. Am I able to update from my iPhone or does that have to be done in iTunes via my MacBook?

    • Jay Yanesh - 9 years ago

      I don’t see it on the beta site. I am a registered beta user for OS X but it doesn’t give me an iOS option. I have sign out and signed back in. Cleared my cache. I am in the US.
      Any ideas?

  2. eldonchew - 9 years ago

    iOS Public Beta is here! http://i.imgur.com/VBqmnpx.png

    • Milorad Ivović - 9 years ago

      I can’t see it on the beta site yet. I wonder if the region of Apple ID is why some people can. but some can’t. I’m in Australia.

      • Daniel Wamara - 9 years ago

        I’m in Germany and I can’t see it either.

      • jackdenia1 - 9 years ago

        I’m in Yosemite Beta program but no iOS public beta for Canada

  3. Michael Schmitt - 9 years ago

    Yes for the public

    • RDale - 9 years ago

      Thanks. I signed up but all I see there is option for OS X beta?

  4. Diego Vicioso - 9 years ago

    finally

  5. Eurofag (@Eurofag) - 9 years ago

    Can’t see it on the beta site (yes, I’m a registered beta tester)

  6. mariobros27772 - 9 years ago

    I want to install this beta but i don’t want anything to break. Anyone willing to test and get back? Mostly concerned if VoLTE breaks.

  7. bsteels (@bsteels) - 9 years ago

    I’m in the beta program for OS X, but am not seeing any options on the site for iOS beta… what gives?

  8. jamesosborne99 - 9 years ago

    I don’t see the iOS Public Beta option on the website in the UK, maybe it’s US only?

  9. Bolyki György - 9 years ago

    I have updated. Seems this is UK only now, or some sort of.

  10. Morgan Sibbett - 9 years ago

    im enrolled in the the beta program as well and i don’t see anything that’s say’s the iOS beta is out.

  11. There’s 2 ways to see the sign-up page immediately..

    1. Sign into appleseed.apple.com on your iOS device
    2. Change browser user-agent to iOS and sign in

  12. Brian (@BrianVoll) - 9 years ago

    Maybe I’m just missing something, but I only see Yosemite betas on there?

  13. Foodietiando - 9 years ago

    Nothing iOS beta here. (and Im registered)

  14. Moises Agudo - 9 years ago

    I wouldn’t even touch OS X 10.10.3 I was BETA testing and discovered it still has the FREAK exploit, it hasn’t been patched. So I deleted the partition.

  15. Manuel Rojas - 9 years ago

    I’m already registered but I don’t see the iOS enrolment, just the OS X beta program.

  16. Joseph Hsieh (@webjoe) - 9 years ago

    There is this guy on Wikipedia who thinks it should be “Composed of,” not “Comprised of” (duck). http://www.vox.com/2015/2/10/8013509/comprise-vs-compose

  17. gabrielmet - 9 years ago

    Why can’t I download this

  18. Eddie Kuo - 9 years ago

    I was running iOS 8.3 beta (developer version). I just enrolled and installed the profile today. How do I update to the public beta version? The software update screen says my software is up to date but my build number is 12F5037c. I tried restoring iPhone but it couldn’t. And feedback assistant isn’t there (obviously).

  19. Eric Warrell (@EricWBS) - 9 years ago

    I keep reading that its an invite only public beta (for now)

  20. Kimberly Jeans - 9 years ago

    I received an email from Apple earlier today inviting me to install and test iOS 8.3 Public Beta. Had no problem with the download and install process. All looks good from here at the present (on the iPad now). Will play around more tomorrow.

  21. Mr. October (@_1738_) - 9 years ago

    Can anyone post a link to download the Update Configuration Profile? This would make it easier on all of us that can’t get it to load/appear.

  22. Xealontro (@Xealontro) - 9 years ago

    This is invite only.. Please correct the article. Dropping the ball here.

    http://www.imore.com/ios-83-beta-now-apple-seed-appears-be-invitation-only

  23. Forced Here - 9 years ago

    I´m not invited to test the iOS beta :-(

    • 89p13 - 9 years ago

      It appears that some of us are SPECIAL and some, sadly, are NOT!

      I’m in the latter category. :(

  24. I logged in to the site(yes I’m registered as a beta tester), but IOS tab does not appear.

  25. I got a invitation mail from Apple in the morning with a link for iOS 8.3 beta 1. It’s a 1.3 GB download for an iPhone 5S.

  26. Adam-1D - 9 years ago

    Got the invite email and installed the profile. Currently contemplating leaving 8.1.2 for the beta.

  27. NerdShouts - 9 years ago

    The iOS 8.3 beta update appeared last night in my beta program panel. I have registered one of my device as a public beta receiver, while other devices are good to go to receive normal beta updates from my registered iOS Dev Center.

  28. april fools day prank from apple ?

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Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.