Apple has finally released to the long awaited iOS 9 beta operating system, so how do you go about downloading and installing it?
iOS 9 beta – download access
The first thing that you need to is access beta.apple.com, and install the consumer version of the operating system. You’ll need your existing Apple ID to download iOS 9 beta, and apple insist on you enrolling your particular device. The update amounts to 230 MB, but although this is a pretty hefty download, Apple has ensured that it can be carried out in user-friendly fashion by prompting the deletion of applications once you begin the process.
iOS 9 beta – compatible devices
Before downloading, it is also important to know whether or not the device you intend to utilize iOS 9 with is actually compatible with the operating system. Thus, it should be noted that iOS 9 will work with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, the original iPad, the iPad Air and Air 2, the iPad 2, 3 and 4 version, and the iPad Mini and second and third version of the smaller Apple tablet. Finally, anything up from the fifth generation iPod will also run iOS 9.
It is also worth bearing in mind that although many people are keen to get their hands on iOS 9, a beta version is still an early build of the software. Issues related to performance, stability and battery life are common with beta releases, and thus it would be advisable to install this operating system on spare or test devices only. One should only install this on a primary device at one’s own peril.
iOS 9 install – first steps
The first thing that you need to ensure is that you’re running the latest version of the iOS operating system. This is iOS 8.4, and can be downloaded from the existing Apple website. If you haven’t already downloaded iOS 8.4, you quite simply won’t get any further! The same can be said for registering for Apple’s Public Beta Program.
Next access the beta.apple.com link, and click on the ‘sign in’ option. If you haven’t ever acquired an Apple identification previously, you will of course need to register by clicking on ‘sign up’ instead.
If you already have an Apple identification, you should then enter the Apple ID and appropriate password, before clicking on the blue ‘sign in’ button. Or if you have created an Apple ID successfully for the first time, this would be the time to enter it to ensure that it works correctly.
iOS 9 install – getting closer
Once you’ve traversed this part of the process, you will be presented with the customary terms and conditions. Unfortunately, we all sign our lives away on a regular basis nowadays, and there is no way of progressing without accepting the terms and conditions, unquestionably onerous though some of them may be. Simply click on the blue ‘accept’ button on the bottom right hand corner.
By now you are well on your way to accessing the iOS 9 beta software, but you first have to enrol your iOS device into the program. This can be done via beta.apple.com/profile. Again, you will need your Apple ID account handy, and it is essential to ensure that you sign in with the same Apple ID as previously. Failure to do so will quickly render the process invalid. Once you have located this and have entered it correctly you can then tap on the blue ‘Download profile’ button.
At this point, if you have already matched your Apple Watch to your iPhone then you will receive a certain pop-up option. You should simply select ‘iPhone’.
Next you need to select the ‘install’ button, which is located in the top right hand corner of the display. The system will then prompt you to input a passcode, should you have set up this option previously. Once a passcode has been entered correctly, there are further legal requirements. You’ll then be asked to agreed to a ‘consent’ from Apple, and you should once again click on the ‘install’ button, which is again located in the top right of the screen.
iOS 9 beta – final steps
Once again you will be prompted by the software, this time to restart your iPhone, iPad or iPod. This can be done simply by tapping on the ‘Restart’ option. Your device should then restart, at which point you need to access the software update. This can be done via Settings > General > Software Update, and if you have followed the instructions correctly then iOS 9 Public Beta 1 download should be visible.
Finally, click the ‘Download and Install’ button…et voila! This can be a bit of a finicky process, but many Apple fans will no doubt consider it worthwhile to have an early play with iOS 9.
