On Tuesday, Apple introduced the fourth beta versions of its three major operating systems—iOS 9, OS X 10.11 El Capitan, and watchOS 2. Considering these three software updates are scheduled for a release this fall, these beta versions are currently available for developers.
This beta release follows iOS 9’s beta 3 rollout last July 8. And as previously reported, the third beta introduced a new News app to Apple devices running on iOS software. Additionally, the updated software comes with a rebuilt Notes app, improvements to Siri and search, and a split-screen dual-app for multitasking on the iPad. Most importantly, it looks like Apple has brought back Home Sharing for music after its demise in iOS 8.4.
Meanwhile, the new OS X El Capitan beta addresses bug issues and improves the software’s stability. Developers can also expect to see a refined search option and a split-screen functionality on the beta version as announced at Apple’s recently concluded Worldwide Developer Conference.
The new watchOS 2 beta version also focuses on fixing bugs. It promises to improve on a number of things, like bringing native apps and giving Wi-Fi access to the Apple Watch. While non-developers may test out iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 El Capitan, watchOS 2 is not available as a public beta.
If you’d like to test out these two software updates, you may sign up for Apple’s public beta program. Considering that these software updates are still in beta mode, bugs may be persistent. Apple has already notified developers about impending issues with AirPlay, Apple Pay, HealthKit, CarPlay, iCloud Backup, HomeKit, Safari, Podcasts, Maps, and many more. You may choose to sign up with the public beta program to see what’s in store for the latest software update or you may wait until they are finally released in the later part of this year.