The first iOS 8 beta is out of the gate. So too is OS X 10.10 Yosemite preview. It will be a few months before each becomes available to the general public.
When will that be? If recent history is any indication, expect both new operating systems to arrive in September or October. In the case of iOS 8, it should drop right before Apple releases the so-called “iPhone 6.”
Last year, Apple released six iOS 7 betas before launching the GM, or gold master edition. One year earlier, iOS 6 went through four betas before the GM was handed to developers.
The longest development process for an iOS release occurred in 2011 with iOS 5. That year, there were seven betas followed by the GM.
Do you really want the iOS 8 beta?
Apple doesn’t want non-developers to use iOS betas. Nonetheless, it happens.
If you’re planning on updating to iOS 8, we suggest waiting until iOS beta 3 or iOS beta 4 is released. Earlier betas, in our humble opinion, are just too unstable for installation on devices used everyday.
Using iOS 7 as a benchmark, the third and fourth betas should arrive in July.
For more information, see
Thinky Bits' handy iOS version history guide.
OS X Yosemite
For the first time, Apple has launched an
OS X Beta Program. Limited to the first 1 million registered, this is a great way for non-developers to take a look at Apple's latest Mac software, OS X Yosemite.
Our advice: You probably shouldn’t upgrade to OS X Yosemite just yet — especially on your everyday Mac.
We suggest waiting until at least the third or fourth preview of OS X Yosemite is released before making a jump. Otherwise, be prepared to experience plenty of hiccups.
We'll continue to follow all of the developments with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite in the coming weeks and months.
In the meantime, see:
Apple Asks Developers To Participate In Its Upcoming Family Sharing Program,
AppAdvice Daily: iOS 8 Messages App Feature Tear Down, and
Apple Adds New Grayscale Mode, Zoom Accessibility Options In iOS 8.
