Beta 8 of iOS 15 & iPadOS 15 Released for Testing
The eight beta version of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 is now available for testing for users who are enrolled in either the developer beta or public beta programs for iPhone and ipad system software.
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 include a variety of changes and new features, including Live Text for selection of text within images, an expanded Do Not Disturb mode called Focus, a changed Safari interface, Safari tab grouping, Safari Extensions support, Private Relay for Safari to reduce ad tracking, redesigned Notifications, along with changes to many bundled apps like Photos, Music, Health, Maps, Weather, and more.
iPadOS also includes all features from iOS 15, and now allows users to put widgets anywhere on the iPad Home Screen, and there are refinements to the iPad multitasking system.
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 both include new anti-abuse surveillance features from Apple that scans your photos for illegal content and will report them to authorities if offending content is found, and a similar feature scans messages on kids devices for adult content with automatic reporting to the parent if offending material is found.
How to Download iOS 15 Beta 8 / iPadOS 15 Beta 8
Installing the latest beta versions is simple:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Go to “General”
- Choose “Software Update”
- Select to “Download and install” the available iOS 15 beta 8 update
The iPhone or iPad must reboot to complete the beta update.
Though intended for advanced users, anyone can install iOS 15 public beta on iPhone, or iPadOS 15 public beta on iPad if you’re interested in doing so. Do keep in mind that beta system software is buggier and less stable than final versions. If you do upgrade to the beta and decide it’s not right for you, you can downgrade from iOS 15 beta, assuming backups from iOS 14 are still available for the device.
Apple has also released new beta versions of watchOS and tvOS, along with the macOS Monterey beta updates released the day before.
Marking the 8th beta build suggests that iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are near finalization, particularly given that the launch is expected to be sometime in mid to late September. Apple typically releases the latest iOS versions at iPhone keynote events.
Apple has stated the final versions of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey will be released this fall.
