Apple Seeds iOS 6 Beta 4 For iPhone, iPad And iPod Touch To Developers

A couple of months back Apple announced iOS 6. This latest update comes with a plethora of new features, most of which are released to developers as Apple begins seeding various beta versions. At this point in time, beta firmware is only available to registered Apple developers, meaning that the general public can not install iOS 6 beta on their iOS devices. Registered developers can now download iOS 6 beta 4 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch from the Developers Portal.

When iOS 6 was unveiled back in June at the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple did not give a specific date on which this latest update will be publicly released. However we know that the release will follow Apple’s announcement of its next generation iPhone. The Cupertino based company is expected to announce the New iPhone on September 12. If that is indeed the case, then iOS 6 public release will come after the announcement on aforementioned date. Even if the date is changed, the release cycle will remain the same.

Up till now Apple has seeded three iOS 6 betas to registered developers. Beta versions enables the strong developers community to get their apps ready in time for public release, as well as report any bugs that they mind find in beta firmware. Developers also get to try out new APIs and report their findings regarding bugs or glitches to Apple, when fixes said issues in a new beta update. The first beta generally never has all of the features that were announced and as more betas get released, Apple starts activating new features.

iOS 6 builds upon nicely on the success and popularity of iOS 5, the previous major software update which came wit over 200 new features for iOS devices. The notifications experience has been improved, subtle changes to the themes have been made, a new “Do not disturb” feature has been added, there are improved privacy settings and deep Facebook integration are some of the new features in iOS 6. This latest update also brings Apple’s famed virtual assistant Siri to the New iPad.

As mentioned above, beta firmware is only seeded to developers and is intended for use only on devices intended for development. Registered developers can now download iOS 6 beta 4 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. If you have the previous iOS 6 beta installed on your device, you will be able to download iOS 6 beta 4 over-the-air as well. The cost of becoming a registered Apple developer is $99 per year.