iOS 8.3 public beta to start next month, iOS 9 in the offing

[Photo credit: Apple]

Apple has so much going on at the moment. As it prepares for the grand launching of the highly-anticipated Apple Watch and takes a crack on a smart electric car, the Cupertino giant is also in the process of seeding iOS 8.3 to developers, which started earlier this month while it works on giving previews of the iOS 9 as well. 

There is a big change in the process though. The public beta program for iOS 8.3 (codenamed Stowe) will now allow even non-developers to test the update and send in feedback. Usually, Apple only gives access to most of its underdone mobile operating systems to registered developers who pay $99 a year for the membership and privileges. But that will not be the case with iOS 8.3 and iOS 9. 

GSM Arena claimed that Apple's decision to embrace the participation of a larger number of users in the testing is for the new operating system software to come out smoother and more stable for public consumption. The site said that Apple learned its lessons with its bumpy release of iOS 8. What's more is that Apple will be able to at least decrease the demand of unauthorized retail of beta downloads.  

Apple is said to accommodate 100,000 people to try the pair of software, which makes the scope of its exclusivity a bit massive. But this does not compare to its testing of OS X Yosemite. Users amounting to one million took part in that one. 

The iOS 8.3 beta program is said to commence in mid-March. Expected new features within the update include support for Wireless CarPlay and uncomplicated login process to Google services. Another perk is a new Emoji keyboard, which many will surely love as well as an improved voice for Siri. 

After all that, iOS 9 (codenamed Monarch) will reportedly touch down in June during the Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference. The update is likely to go into public beta by summer and be ready by fall. Users can expect major bug fixes and performance enhancements with this update. Tech Times reported that the iOS 8.4, which will be called Copper, is on the cards as well.