iOS 9 beta: Download and install

Apple's Siri[Photo credit: Apple]

The first public beta of the Apple iOS 9 is now out and ready for download. Those who want to get in the groove can now have it on board their iPhones and iPads.

Upon the raw update's release, Apple's download servers were deluged with a swarm of users grabbing the new iOS all at the same time. But it's safe to say that downloading it at this time will not be as slow as it was when it was released. For those who are ready to make the jump, it all starts with registering to the beta. They need to type in an Apple ID and the password. 

The next step, which is a very important step one cannot afford to forgo, is to back up data. Apple recommends users to do so in the old-fashioned way — connecting the device to iTunes. Owners need to archive the backup on the music app, too. To make sure, here are Apple's guidelines to follow. 

When all that's good, users can head back to the Apple beta site using the device to be updated and sign in. Once in, they need to find step two and proceed to Download Profile. Safari will bring users to where they can install the iOS 9 beta. They must then type in the pin code and accept the terms and agreements. 

They have to restart the iPhone or the iPad before going directly to the Settings app. They must then tap General then Software Update. There will be details that say the device is now downloading iOS 9. It is 1.79 GB for iPhone 6 Plus and 1.6 GB for iPad Air 2. It will take a while, though, so it's best to do some other stuff while it does.

When iOS 9 is on board, owners can play with it and test it out. When an error shows up, they can report it to Apple via the Feedback Assistant app. This is the whole significance of the beta — to determine the bugs and have Apple take them out to make sure the final build of the new iOS will be flawless when it goes live.

Downloading the unfinished iOS 9 update has its caveat and it is best to try it out on a spare IOS-powered device. USA Today reiterated that the features in it are likely raw and the site itself tried it out and experienced some lags. The only way to revert back is resetting the device to its factory settings. 

As far as the features of the iOS 9 beta, The Verge says that Siri is "smarter" but the interface isn't very different from iOS 8. It now also supports mass transit directions and the Wallet app has become Passbook. Notable changes also include a proper casing of the keyboard letters and a cascading cards system for recent apps.