The iOS 8.4 beta has landed. Here's what to expect in the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system
Apple has release its first iOS 8.4 beta to developers, including the brand new Music app with an overhauled design.
Released just days after iOS 8.3 was unveiled to the public, the new beta doesn’t show any sign of Apple’s incoming music streaming service. However, Apple is expected to unveil the much-anticipated replacement for its existing Beats service at its annual WWDC event in June, alongside the official reveal of the new Music app.
While the main draw is obviously the Music app, the iOS 8.4 beta also mentions the usual bug and performance tweaks.
What's new in the revamped Music app? Here's a look at the new features, and what you need to do to get a look at it.
How can I get the iOS 8.4 beta?
The beta is currently only available from the iOS Dev Center for those who are registered as developers, for testing purposes. There’s no public beta available yet, but it is expected to land around the same time as Apple’s developer conference in June. Apple is also expected to preview its next-gen iOS 9.
New design
According to Apple, the redesigned Music app has “a beautiful new design that makes exploring your music collection easier and more fun”. With more emphasis on pictures than the existing version, you’ll be able to personalise any playlists you’ve created by adding your own image and description while the Artist view will also be improved.
You’ll also be able to start playing an album right from the album list, taking one screen tap out of the existing process.
The design for the app icon remains the same.
Recently Added
The app will make it much easier to find new albums and playlists that you’ve added. These will be dropped at the top of your music library, making them much faster to access. In keeping with the new picture-led design, artwork for recently added content is displayed making it easier to see what you’re looking for at a glance.
iTunes Radio
The iTunes Radio experience has been streamlined to make it easier to find music than it was before. Although the service isn’t officially available beyond the US and Australia, many UK users get around this by simply signing up for a US Apple account.
For those that do use iTunes Radio, you’ll be able to quickly return to your favourite station in Recently Played and well as choosing from a selection of curated Featured Stations. You can even start your own, using your top song or artist as a starting point.
MiniPlayer
Borrowed from the latest desktop version of iTunes, the new MiniPlayer enables you to control playback and see what’s playing, while continuing to browse your music. Tapping on the MiniPlayer will open up Now Playing.
Now Playing
As part of the design overhaul, the Now Playing feature has been spruced up to show off album artwork more effectively. Improved functionality will enable you to start streaming music wirelessly over AirPlay without leaving the Now Playing screen.
Apple has also made it easier to see which track will play next, all you’ll need to do is tap on the Up Next icon in Now Playing for a sneaky preview. You’ll also be able to add, re-order or skip songs.
Global Search
The update makes it easier to search from anywhere in the app just by tapping the magnifying glass icon. Search results have been streamlined and conveniently organised to help you find what you’re looking for more easily.
Anything else?
In the process of revamping the Music app, Apple has made the decision to move audiobooks into the iBooks app. So now you'll have the ability to keep ebooks separate from audiobooks and there's a dedicated player letting you rewind, fast forward and open up chapter lists. Additional features include the option to adjust speed and setting a sleep timer for when you want to nod off to something. If you're using CarPlay, the new audiobooks has been added into the interface as well.
iOS 8.4 problems
As you’d expect, there are a few teething problems including a few minor bugs in iTunes Radio, while it was reported that the app may crash when changing the screen orientation or deleting a playlist.
