Apple iOS 8.3 beta 1 released to developers

While Apple is still in the process of beta testing iOS 8.2, the company has also released iOS 8.3 beta 1 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to developers registered in the iOS developer program.

Meanwhile the company just recently released iOS 8.1.3 download to the end users, while iOS 8.2 is in its fifth beta, apparently slated for release over the next few weeks. The iOS 8.2 release will align with the launch of the Apple Watch, Tim Cook suggested was on track for shipping in April.

As all things Apple, we expect their venture into wearables will be met by the usual demand, but based on the release of a new beta it looks like Apple is looking ahead to what's next.

The iOS 8.3 beta 1 is accompanied by Xcode 6.3 with Swift version 1.2, and while the Cupertino based company hasn't revealed much in the changelog, it looks like the focus of the release is Apple's CarPlay.

In fact those who have installed the new beta will find the CarPlay option listed under Settings in the General category. The process starts with a long press of the voice control button on an automobile which is supported. Once everything has been set up, starting up your car will automatically connect it with your CarPlay enabled handset.

Other changes include a re-designed emoji keyboard, allowing you to scroll through all of your options. And iOS 8.3 beta will help developers work with the new changes to Apple's Swift programming language. Lastly, the iOS 8.3 beta adds Google's 2-Step Verification to open Google related apps such as Gmail and Google's iOS calendar app among others.

As we mentioned before, the iOS beta update is available to developers signed up for Apple’s iOS Developer program, which costs $99 per year. If you're a developer, head over to the iOS Dev Center to download all the necessary bits to get started. However, keep in mind that you will need more than one iOS device if you want to test iOS 8.2 and iOS 8.3 parallelly.