UPDATE – The Public Betas of iOS 10 and macOS Sierra are now available.
Apple will release the public betas of both iOS 10 and macOS Sierra on Thursday for testing by members of its public beta program. While both betas has been available to developers since June 13, when they were introduced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, today marks the first opportunity for non-developers to get their hands on the new operating systems.
iOS 10 offers a number of new features and interface tweaks, including a new Lock Screen that includes 3D Touch-enabled notifications, a redesigned Control Center, and a new Widgets Screen. The Lock Screen also offers easier access to the Camera.
Other improvements include improved Messages, featuring handwritten notes, background animations, effects, new emoji, and an App Store for iMessage which will offer new stickers, animations and more for use in the Messages app.
macOS Sierra brings a number of new features to Mac users, including Siri. Apple’s virtual personal assistant makes her move to the Mac. The familiar features of Siri are now available with just a click of the mouse or a hotkey combination. The assistant is available from the Dock, Menu Bar, or the Mac keyboard.
macOS Sierra allows users to have all the files on their desktop and in their Documents folder available on any Mac, iOS device, or PC. Users simply save their files in their Documents folder, or on their Desktop, and the files will follow them across devices.
Continuity on the Mac gets a boost, with copy & paste between devices. Universal Clipboard will allow copy & pasting the contents of your clipboard across all your Apple devices, via iCloud. Copy & paste information between your iOS devices and Mac.
Mac users will be able to use Apple Pay to pay when shopping on participating websites. Just click the Apple Pay button on the website when you checkout, then authorize payment for the purchase via the Touch ID sensor on your iPhone, or by using your Apple Watch.
If you’re interested in trying out iOS 10 and macOS Sierra, and future OS updates, before the general public gets their hot little hands on them, visit Apple’s Beta Software Program website for more details and to register for the program.
