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iOS 8.4 Beta: 5 Things iPhone & iPad Users Need to Know

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Earlier this week, Apple released a brand new iOS 8.4 beta. Unlike the first version, Apple’s second iOS 8.4 beta update opened the beta process up to the public for testing ahead of its public release. With a public beta now available, we want to take a look at five things you need to know about Apple’s iOS 8.4 beta for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

In March, Apple released a substantial iOS 8 upgrade in the form of iOS 8.3. iOS 8.3 is a massive update that brings a slew of bug fixes for iOS 8 problems while also delivering some new features including new emojis and a new emoji keyboard. Shortly after the arrival of iOS 8.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, Apple released another iOS 8 update, an update that’s called iOS 8.4.

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The iOS 8.4 update had been rumored for several months though the rumors also suggested that the update and its features could be rolled into the company’s upcoming iOS 9 update. Apple confirmed the iOS 8.4 release a few weeks ago with an arrival in its beta program for developers. iOS 8.4 beta 1 was private though we suspected that Apple would, at some point, release a public iOS 8.4 beta.

Earlier this week, Apple made another big move with another iOS 8.4 beta release. With an iOS 8.4 beta in the headlines, we want to take a look at what we think iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users need to know about Apple’s iOS 8.4 beta for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch fifth-generation.

Public iOS 8.4 Beta

Just in case you missed it, here’s a reminder. The iOS 8.4 beta is now open to everyone, not just developers. What this means is that if you are using a device that’s powered by iOS 8, and you just so happen to be in the public beta program, you can install the iOS 8.3 beta right now.

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If you’re registered in the beta program, we’ve put together a detailed step-by-step process that outlines what you’ll need to get started. Apple’s website will also fill in a few of the blanks. Be sure you read these instructions and Apple’s information if you haven’t done this before. This software is not official yet and it’s not going to be for everyone.

iOS 8.4 Beta 2 Update

Right now, we’re on the second iOS 8.4 beta also known as iOS 8.4 beta 2. The update is a little more refined than the first iOS 8.4 beta though there are still some problems with the software.

iOS 8.4 beta users on MacRumors’ forums have outlined the iOS 8.4 beta 2 update in detail. They’ve flagged a few changes:

  • The description space under Featured Stations in iTunes Radio is now color-matched to the station color & art image.
  • Music videos now play as videos where album art usually is in the music app.

The update also comes with a number of bug fixes though it appears that the software has added some problems of its own. This is precisely how you can expect the rest of the iOS 8.4 beta process to play out.

Apple will likely release at least one more iOS 8.4 beta. That beta will likely improve on the iOS 8.4 beta 2 with fixes and enhancements but it will almost certainly bring some problems of its own. That’s why it’s called iOS 8.4 “beta.”

There Are Some Reasons to Avoid the iOS 8.4 Beta

We’ve put together a list of reasons why you’ll want to avoid the public iOS 8.4 beta and most of you are going to fall into one of these categories. Read this before you decide to install the iOS 8.4 beta on your devices.

If You Aren’t in the Beta Program but Want Feedback…

We realize that a lot of you are interested in iOS 8.4. We also realize that installing the iOS 8.4 beta is a risky proposition, particularly if you only own one iPhone or iPad. iOS 8.4 is a small update and its only major feature are the changes coming to the music application. It doesn’t have the appeal of an update like an iOS 9 beta. That said, we know that there are those of you who want to keep tabs on the update.

While we’re not going to be posting impressions of iOS 8.4 beta, there will be people that do. These two videos are among the first that we’ve seen and we expect to see iOS 8.4 beta users post their impressions over the course of the next few weeks.

iOS 8.4 Release Date

It’s not clear how long the update will stay in the beta programs. Apple’s public iOS 8.4 release date remains out of reach though with the arrival of the iOS 8.4 beta 2, we know that the update is moving closer.

Apple’s iOS 8.4 release date has been rumored for the summer which means that we could see a few more beta updates for both developers and the public. This means that those of you in the developer program that haven’t installed the beta software have the option to wait for a more stable version of iOS 8.4 beta to arrive. Nothing is imminent.

We typically see Apple put a two week gap between its beta releases so if Apple is planning to push a third beta, we could see it land sometime in May.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Clarence

    05/08/2015 at 7:51 pm

    how do I sign up to become a beta tester! Thk u.

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