Days after unveiling its newest MacBook model and three versions of the Apple Watch, Apple on Thursday launched a new beta program for its next operating system. They're asking fans and software developers alike to help work out the bugs.
"For the first time ever, we are broadening the program to include the all-new iOS Beta," read an invitation sent to developers. "The feedback you have provided on the OS X Yosemite Beta continues to help us shape OS X, and we would like to offer you an invitation to the iOS 8.3 Beta."
As of right now, only a select set of developers have access to the new beta. That doesn't mean the average consumer won't get a say in the final product.
Customers can sign up for the program through the Apple Seed beta site, which only requires that the user has an Apple ID and either a Mac with Time Machine or a iOS device with iTunes. Since the program is still in its infancy stages, a link to join the iOS program may not appear upon registration.
Apple's open invitation serves a dual purpose. First, they want to be transparent with the common user; the group that makes up a bulk of Apple's target audience. They first asked for help from non-developers last July when up to one million users were offered early versions of OSX 10.10 prior to its official release.
An early release to the public also means testers should be able to find more bugs. Last year, the Cupertino-based company prematurely rolled out a bug-ridden IOS 8 package. The updated iOS 8.0.1 version introduced more problems, prompting Apple to immediately release a second fix. Customer input may allow them to alleviate similar issues beforehand, especially if they find issues developers overlook.
Among the update's new features are Apple Pay support, support for wireless CarPlay connectivity, a new emoji picker, and - most importantly - an improved keyboard. The iOS 8.3 beta includes a longer space bar for frustrated iPhone users that had issues accidentally tapping the period key.