Apple has started seeding iOS 8.3 to developers while it continues to run the developer testing phase of the iOS 8.2 and prepares for the April launch of the much-anticipated Apple Watch.
The company will run programs for iOS 8.3 in the middle of March, similar to the public beta program that it has used for OS X Yosemite. Running such type of beta program allows non-developers to try out the new version and likewise submit their feedback on the OS before it is released to the public.
In addition to these, the iOS 9 will also be previewed in the summer and is scheduled to debut at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The final release is scheduled in the fall season.
The main target of the iOS beta program is to ensure that users get the type of OS that is more reliable and widely tested in order to prepare for its broader consumer launch. It should be noted that Apple has been under fire for the company's failure to ensure that the iOS 8 passed the strictest quality control.
Moreover, launching the iOS in public beta versions will somehow curb the demand for unofficial and unauthorized retail of beta downloads that are sourced from developer accounts, allowing some consumers to test-run iOS features that are launching in the future.
Codenamed "Stowe," Apple iOS 8.3 had its first seeding to developers, which included a number of enhancements in early February. The updated version features an improved voice for Siri, an upgraded Emoji keyboard, support for Wireless CarPlay and easier login for Google services.
iOS 9, which is codenamed Monarch, will have key features such as fixes and performance enhancements. While it will focus heavily on stability and optimization, there's also a hint that it will include other new features.
"Apple then expects to debut iOS 9 at its June Worldwide Developers Conference, with a public beta release during the summer, and final release in the fall," wrote Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac. Public iOS betas will also be equipped with a tool for reporting bugs.
Apple's iOS Public Beta program will be limited to 100,000 people to ensure that a higher level of exclusivity is met.
It is said that an iOS 8.4 is in the pipeline and will bear "Copper" for its codename. The version will come bundled with Apple's brand new streaming music service.
