The Beta Software Program has been open for some time, but as 9to5Mac points out, Apple has begun to more directly ask users to check out its beta releases. The more people Apple gets to test out builds of its new operating systems, the easier it should be to locate and understand potential bugs and other hiccups. This makes sense, since iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, tvOS 15, and macOS Monterey are all planned to release this fall. Beta testing doesn’t just benefit Apple, though. Being able to try out the new OS early will help you get used to the new features before they’re publicly available, plus the fewer bugs in the official release the better for everyone. However, the downside to beta testing is that you’re likely to encounter a fair number of issues that could result in crashes or even loss of data. There is also the possibility that some of your apps won’t work properly, or at all. Beta testing Apple’s operating systems can extend beyond this fall, too. Members of the Beta Software Program will be able to install and test out future iterations of the software. If you’re looking forward to iOS 15 (or watchOS 8, or macOS Monterey, and so on) and want to try it out ahead of its full release, you can still sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program.
