Apple unveiled iOS 8 earlier today during its big WWDC 2014 keynote, and it said during the show that the first beta version of its new mobile software would be released to developers later on Monday. As promised, iOS 8 beta 1 is now live in Apple’s iOS developer portal with build number 12A4265u, and it’s ready to be downloaded to your compatible iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
iOS 8 is packed full of new features, new APIs and refinements, and Apple’s beta program allows developers to get their apps ready for the new mobile software before it launches to the public later this year. It also allows any Apple fan with $99 to sign up and download the latest and greatest mobile software before the final version is made available this fall.
Of course, as we mentioned earlier, Apple’s first iOS 8 beta is likely very raw compared to the more polished releases the public receives. As such, anyone who downloads and installs it on their iPhones, iPads and iPod touch handhelds can likely expect some annoying bugs, battery drain, app crashes and more.
If that doesn’t scare you away, iOS 8 beta is available for download from Apple’s developer portal beginning immediately.
Developers and anyone else with an iOS developer account can visit the link below in our source section to download iOS 8 beta, which will be required in order to install the new beta software.
Remember to back up your devices before installing the new software.
Here are important notes from Apple to read before downloading iOS 8 beta:
- Be sure to backup your devices using the latest version iTunes or through iCloud backup prior to installing iOS 8 beta. After installing iOS 8 beta, you can restore your device using either the latest version of iTunes or through your iCloud backup.
- This version of iOS is intended only for installation on development devices registered with Apple’s Developer Program. Attempting to install this version of iOS in an unauthorized manner could put your device in an unusable state, which could necessitate an out of warranty repair.
- Devices updated to iOS 8 beta can not be restored to earlier versions of iOS. Only registered development devices will be able to upgrade to future beta releases and the final iOS software.
- To determine the proper download for your iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, or iPhone 5, click here. To determine the proper download for your iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad (4th generation), click here.
- You can now submit bug reports directly to Apple’s bug tracking system using the built-in Bug Reporter app. You can find Bug Reporter in Notification Center in iOS 8 beta.
- Use of Family Sharing in iOS 8 beta is subject to the Family Sharing terms. Learn more about Family Sharing here.
- Xcode 6 beta, iOS 8 beta, and OS X Yosemite Developer Preview are pre-release software. Your use is subject to and licensed only under the terms and conditions of the iOS Developer Program License Agreement (“iOS PLA”), including any applicable consent to collect diagnostic data set forth therein. If you have not agreed to the iOS PLA, you are not permitted to use this software.
For more news from Apple’s WWDC 2014 keynote, visit our WWDC 2014 hub!
