Want to Be One of the First to Experience iOS 10? Join the Public Beta!
iOS 10 is here, and if you’re itching to dive into the newest features and exciting changes Apple has brought to its mobile operating system, you can jump in early. Apple has made the iOS 10 public beta available for download, allowing users to try out a pre-release version of the software and experience what’s to come. But before you rush to download, it’s important to understand the potential downsides of participating in a beta program. While you’ll get a sneak peek at new features, you’re also signing up for potential bugs and instability, which could disrupt your daily usage. It’s crucial to proceed with caution and install the beta on a secondary device, not your primary one. Read on to learn how to install the iOS 10 public beta safely and discover the exciting new features that await you.
Who Can Dive into the iOS 10 Public Beta?
Apple has made the iOS 10 public beta available for a wide range of its popular devices. If you own any of the following, you can join the beta program:
- iPhone: iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5
- iPad: iPad Pro (12.9-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2
- iPod touch: iPod touch (6th generation)
How to Download and Install the iOS 10 Public Beta
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing the iOS 10 public beta on your compatible Apple device:
- Open Safari on your iOS device. Make sure you’re using one of the devices listed above.
- Head to Apple’s iOS 10 public beta website: https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/
- Tap the blue "Sign Up" button: If you’re a first-time beta tester, create an account. If you’ve participated in previous betas, simply "Sign In" using your Apple ID and password.
- Review and accept the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement. This outlines the terms and conditions of the beta program.
- Select the "iOS" tab. The tab should turn blue when selected.
- Under "Get Started," tap "Enroll your iOS device."
- Scroll down and tap the blue "Download profile" button. This will download a configuration profile needed to install the beta software.
- Open the "Install Profile" screen and tap "Install" in the top-right corner. This begins the process of installing the iOS 10 Beta Software Profile.
- Enter your passcode, if prompted.
- Read and approve the Consent message from Apple. Confirm by tapping "Install" in the top-right corner.
- Tap "Install" again in the pop-up confirmation window. This will confirm your installation.
- Your iOS device will prompt you to restart to apply the changes. Tap "Restart" to reboot your device.
- After restarting, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. This will take you to the software update section.
- You should now see "iOS 10 Public Beta 1" listed. Tap "Download and Install" to begin the download and installation process.
- Enter your passcode, if necessary.
- Read and accept Apple’s Terms and Conditions. Tap "Agree" at the bottom-right of the screen.
- iOS 10 will start downloading. On our test device (an iPhone 5s), the download size was approximately 1.6 GB.
- Once the download is complete, tap "Install Now." This will install the iOS 10 public beta on your device.
The process might seem lengthy, but it’s straightforward and most users should encounter no issues.
What’s New in iOS 10? A Glimpse of Exciting Features
iOS 10 brings a comprehensive update to the iPhone and iPad experience, featuring a plethora of new features and improvements. Here are some highlights:
1. Redesigned Notifications:
- More interactive and customizable: Notifications are now more user-friendly. You can directly respond to messages, interact with notifications, and even clear a notification with a swipe.
- Focus on the most important updates: iOS 10 intelligently prioritizes important notifications, ensuring you don’t miss what matters.
2. Revamped Photos App:
- More intuitive and organized: The Photos app now uses facial recognition and object detection to automatically categorize your photos and memories. This makes it easier to find your favorite moments.
- New "Memories" feature: This dynamic slideshow feature automatically creates compelling stories from your photos and videos, adding music, transitions, and effects.
3. Enhanced Siri:
- More capabilities and third-party integration: Siri has gained the ability to perform tasks in third-party apps like messaging, payments, and more. She is also more helpful with tasks like showing you pictures, playing music, and making calls.
- Increased voice recognition accuracy: Apple has improved Siri’s ability to understand you, making it easier to interact with her.
4. Revamped Music App:
- More personalized and visually appealing: The Music app has a sleek new design and features a personalized "For You" section that recommends new music and artists based on your listening habits.
- Improved integration with Apple Music: Apple Music is now more central, making it easier to manage your music library, and discover new music and playlists.
5. Powerful New Maps Features:
- More detailed and comprehensive: Maps now offers more information about your surroundings, including parking availability, traffic information, transit options, and even real-time traffic conditions.
- New "Directions" feature: Get detailed navigation instructions, including real-time traffic updates and alternate routes.
6. Upgraded Messages App:
- More expressive and interactive: You can now use large animated emojis, add stickers, draw on photos, and even use digital ink to create custom images.
- Third-party app integration: Messages now supports extensions that allow you to send GIFs, stickers, and even use apps directly within the messaging app.
7. Improved HomeKit and Apple Pay:
- More convenient and secure: HomeKit has been improved, giving you greater control over your smart home devices. Apple Pay is now accepted in more places, making it an even easier way to pay for goods and services.
8. Enhanced Security and Privacy:
- Increased emphasis on privacy: iOS 10 includes features that enhance your privacy, including enhanced password management and the ability to control what data apps can access.
- More robust security: Apple has implemented several security improvements, making your iPhone and iPad even more secure.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: Should You Join the Beta?
While the iOS 10 public beta promises a sneak peek at the future of iOS, it’s important to remember that it’s not a finished product. Consider these factors before jumping in:
Pros:
- Early Access to New Features: You’ll be among the first to experience the latest features and improvements before they’re officially released.
- Shape the Future of iOS: By providing feedback to Apple, you’ll help refine and improve iOS before it reaches the public.
- Get a Jump Start on New Apps: Developers are often encouraged to update their apps to be compatible with the latest iOS beta, granting you early access to new features and bug fixes.
Cons:
- Bugs and Performance Issues: Beta software is still under development and can contain bugs, glitches, and stability problems. This can lead to unexpected crashes, sluggish performance, or even data loss.
- App Compatibility Issues: Not all apps have been optimized for iOS 10 yet, so some apps may not work as intended or may even crash.
- Data Loss and Security Risks: There’s always a risk of data loss or security vulnerabilities in beta software. Always back up your device before joining a beta program to minimize data loss.
Should You Enroll in the iOS 10 Public Beta?
The decision of whether to join the iOS 10 public beta is a personal one. Consider your tolerance for bugs and the potential for instability. If you’re comfortable with the risks and eager to be on the forefront of technology, joining the beta might be a thrilling experience. However, if you rely on your device for critical tasks and prefer a stable, bug-free experience, it’s best to wait for the official release of iOS 10.
