Been champing at the bit to try all of the new features found in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14? Now you can.
Apple today released the first public beta versions of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. This means that you can download and install these beta releases on your device right now without having to pay $99 to become a member of Apple's developer program. You can find a full list of devices compatible with iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 right here.
To join the Apple Beta Software Program, just point your browser here and begin the signup process. After you install a certificate from the site on your device, you'll then get the beta update sent to you over the air.
One thing to keep in mind is that these updates are still very much in the beta phase. That means you may encounter bugs, worse-than-expected battery life, or other issues. So you may want to think twice before installing this on a device you rely on every day.
The update to iOS 14 is a big one, bringing new features like resizable widgets on your iPhone home screen. Picture-in-picture will now let you watch videos while performing other tasks on your phone, and there's a new Translate app with support for 11 languages.
Other improvements coming with iOS 14 include smaller and less intrusive incoming call notifications, a more compact Siri interface, pinned conversations and mentions in Messages, cycling support in Apple Maps, better Safari performance, an App Library that'll give you quick access to all of your apps, and the ability to unlock and start your car with your iPhone on supported vehicles.
The update to iPadOS 14 has some improvements of its own like a compact search box, a Scribble feature that'll turn your handwriting into text in any text field, and updated designs for apps like Files and Photos that better take advantage of the iPad's big screen.
Apple has said that iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 will launch to the public this fall.