Apple has finally pushed out the public beta for iOS 9, and if you own an iDevice that is compatible, you could possibly be thinking of installing the version to test out the new features the OS brings.
For those in a quandary and wondering if installing iOS 9 public beta is safe, we take you through the pros and cons.
If you have a spare iDevice, then by all means, you can go ahead and install iOS 9 beta to test it out prior to its official release. Apple also recommends the same and, therefore, it is advisable to be mindful and not install the software on your main iPad or iPhone.
If your primary iPhone is what you depend on for work, then it is best to bypass iOS 9 beta. Why? Some of the apps may not work and some may even crash, leaving you with a not-so-pleasant experience and unnecessary harassment.
Usually, any beta software comes with innate risks in its folds, no matter how stable it is. Experiencing app crashes and bugs, as well as features that are not completely functional, is part and parcel of the deal.
If you're still thinking of throwing caution to the wind and going ahead, we recommend making a backup and using the latest iTunes version to do install iOS 9 beta. Also, archive the backup prior to installing.
If you're currently on iOS 8.3 or iOS 8.4 and are happy with the performance of the operating systems, then it's best to exercise some patience and wait for iOS 9's official release this fall. Why? Because Apple would have likely sorted out the major bugs in iOS 9 by then. However, if you're OK with the app crashes and bugs that will be around for a while, at least till the official version releases, then you could test the waters.
While Apple lets users downgrade from iOS 9 to iOS 8.4, you will not be able to restore the iOS 9 backup to the iOS 8-running device. So, even though you can retrace to iOS 8.4 if you don't like iOS 9, you will have to back up photos, address book and other important information manually. Not nice, we know, which is why running iOS 9 beta on a secondary device is better.
To surmise, if you have a spare Apple device that is compatible with iOS 9 beta — go ahead and test the software out. However, if a single iPad or iPhone is all you have, then it is better to desist!
Photo: Microsiervos Geek Crew | Flickr
