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Apple is planning to launch its first ever public iOS beta test as soon as March, a new report suggests.
9to5mac reckons Apple will release the upcoming iOS 8.3 software as a public beta next month, with iOS 9 opened up to testing in summer.
This is reportedly so that Apple can avoid a recurrence of the iOS 8 fiasco that saw its initial release littered with bugs, much to the chagrin of everyone involved.
Apple will release the software via the existing AppleSeed program, which is currently used to push out beta software for Mac OS.
Apple began offering Mac OS in beta test form last year, when early access to OS X Yosemite was given to the public ahead of the October launch.
It’s worth noting that only the first million users who registered interest were given access. A similar scheme could be employed with the iOS testing, although 9to5mac expects the number to be closer to 100,000.
iOS 8.3 was first seeded to devs earlier this month, bringing support for Wireless CarPlay, an improved Emoji keyboard, an upgraded Siri voice, and easier Google services log-in.
Related: iPhone 6S release date
These dev previews are nothing new, and often end up on the handsets of normal users eager to get a first look at Apple’s new software.
Apple likely accepts that many users will download the software regardless, so it might as well capitalise on the free testing feedback.
Apple is expected to unveil its iOS 9 software at the WWDC in June, so that’s the likeliest opening for the company to announce that particular public beta.
It’s worth noting that Apple hasn’t actually confirmed this beta scheme, so we’ll report back when (or if) it’s made official.