iOS 10 Beta 3 Warning: It’s Still Buggy, You Should Be Careful

On August 2, Apple rolled out the third public beta version of iOS 10. The release date for the complete version is confirmed for this fall but Apple is letting people try out their new OS long before that with this beta release. If you want to try the new features, sign up for Apple’s beta program here. You can install the third beta either through software update or through a connection to iTunes.

 

While the second public beta version included some enhanced 3D touch functionality and a host of minor tweaks, the third one includes over 100 new emojis that showcase gender diversity, new keyboard sounds and Control Center splash page. The page will introduce the new changes to Control Center.

 

But no major changes as yet.

 

Here’s some good news and bad news for you: the good news is that you won’t have to pay $99 a year for a developer account to use the new beta version. And the bad news is, the version is still beta.

 

Okay, So What Does It Mean For Developers?

 

This beta update is for non-developers. So, no iphone apps development news to share (sorry about that).

 

What’s New in This Version?

 

SIRI and iMessage

 

It features a huge update between SIRI and third party integrations. SIRI is getting a massive overhaul with this update. And the Messages app is going to be completely redesigned. Messages will offer background animations, emojify features, bubble effects, rich link previews, Digital Touch, 3rd party extensions, a complete App Store and (wait for it!) Slack-like feedback. Yes, you heard it right! There’s going to be Slack-like feedback.

 

Lock Screen

 

The lock screen has undergone a complete makeover and can now display small widgets in-screen. Haptic feedback at the time of locking the device has been removed. The Notification Center now shows the date again. And you can use Quick Reply with full-screen apps.

 

Photos

 

Also, there’s a massive update for the Photos app. It now features intelligent photo albums, impressive facial recognition, scene recognition and object recognition.

 

Home and Apple Music

 

There’s a new Home to control internet-connected devices, among other things. And the music app is offering a completely redesigned experience.

 

The new version also features updates for facial recognition, in-depth learning categorization and a number of other apps have been revamped such as Apple Maps, Apple News, Phone and HomeKit. And there are many small improvements, tweaks and fixes.

 

Emoji

 

In iOS 10, emojis will be the center of attraction. Every time you type a word, the QuickType word suggestion bar will suggest a relevant emoji. In messages, emojis will be thrice as big if you’re sending them without text. And on the emoji keyboard, iOS will show you words which you can tap on and they will automatically be replaced with an emoji. Over a hundred new and redesigned emojis will be available to use this fall with the release of the complete iOS 10. There will be more gender options to the existing characters. There will also be new female professionals and athletes. Also, more family options are set to be there, along with a new rainbow flag.

 

                                                                                       

                                                                                              

Image source: Apple.com

What Is Apple Trying To Achieve?

 

As far as emojis are concerned, Apple is trying to reflect the diversity of people in the world. The company is working closely with the Unicode Consortium to make it happen.

 

As is evident from all this, Apple’s objective with the new beta update is to show that its new OS is going to transform the way dialogue and communication take place between users.

 

Those who can’t wait to see iOS 10 in all its glory, the beta version is for you. Apple wants you to check out its new OS before it releases it this fall.

 

Can You Compare It With The Developer Beta?

 

Apple’s developer version is paid while its public beta version is free.

 

It’s safe to say that this version is like the second developer beta version. While the developer beta version (Apple released iOS 10 beta 4 for developers on August 1) allows developers to maximize the potential of all the new APIs, the public beta version is about eliminating bugs. So remember, if you are a developer, don’t install this version on your Apple device. This is not meant for iphone apps development, YET.

 

Even non-developers should be careful about installing this on their iPhone or iPad as early software is very unpredictable and might even crash their device. As Joanna Stern at the Wall Street Journal indicates, if there are bugs in the new version and you want a bug-free experience, installing the iOS 10 beta 3 can be a bit of a problem.

 

What Devices Are Compatible With iOS 10 Beta 3 ?

 

• iPad 4th gen
• iPad Air and their versions
• iPad Pro
• iPad mini 2, 3, 4
• iPod touch 6th gen
• iPhone 5

Okay, So What Can I Do To Prepare My Device If I Want To Install It Anyway?

 

If you really want to install it though, backup your device first and check if your iCloud backup is up to date. And here are 5 things you can do to get ready for iOS 10 beta 3.

 

1. Read Apple’s Beta Rules & Conditions – Get as familiar as you can with this version with the help of Apple itself. This way, you will get an idea about what you can expect from this update.
2. Keep Your Login Details Handy – You’re gonna need your Apple ID to get started. Chances are, the beta version will log you out of some apps and software. So you might want to keep your login information handy before you proceed.
3. Have Some Free Time – iOS 10 is a gigantic update with innumerable changes which take time to install. And if this is your first time installing a beta version, it’s going to take even more time. So remember to have some free time for all these installations.
4. Be Prepared for A Downgrade – If you don’t like the new iOS and you want to go back, remember that Apple will only allow you to go back to iOS 9.3.3 or 9.3.2 (for a limited period). Here’s how to downgrade.
5. Check Out Developer Feedback – Developers are giving a lot of information about this version of iOS. You can check it out here. It’s worth taking time out to read the feedback of real developers who have tried and tested this version

Last word of advice, if you have only one iOS device and you use it for work or studying, DON’T install iOS 10 beta 3.

 

Conclusion

 

Even if you don’t face any bugs, remember that not all of your apps are going to be compatible with this version. That’s because some 3rd party developers are still working on iphone apps development to suit the new version. These apps are not going to be fully compatible until this fall. Until then, approach iOS 10 with caution.