Calling all fanbois: If you can't wait to glimpse iOS 15, Apple is running a public beta now

Next version of iPhone software boasts plenty of changes, but experience will be buggy for now

If you aren't afraid of life on the bleeding edge, Apple has rolled out the first public beta version of iOS 15, allowing anyone with a taste for buggy pre-release software to get their fix.

First announced in June, iOS 15 includes a variety of cosmetic changes to notifications, as well as the Safari, Maps, Weather, and Notes apps.

The software, which Apple said would see a formal release in autumn, also brigns significant changes to FaceTime, including a portrait mode and SharePlay, which allows participants on a call to watch media at the same time.

Another feature is its focus mode, which allows users to control what notifications they see during periods of deliberate concentration.

Apple has launched a mini site allowing members of the public to sign up for the iOS 15 public beta, although the business warned it might not be for everyone.

"The Apple Beta Software Program lets users try out pre-release software. The feedback you provide on quality and usability helps us identify issues, fix them, and make Apple software even better," Apple wrote.

"Please note that since the public beta software has not yet been commercially released by Apple, it may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software. Be sure to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and your Mac using Time Machine before installing beta software," it added.

Those who download the beta can expect a fairly unpolished experience, with bugs and performance issues all but certain.

When iOS eventually gets a formal release, Apple has said it will give customers the option to upgrade or remain on iOS 14, while still getting security updates and patches.

Coinciding with the release of the iOS 15 public beta version, Apple has also released betas of iPadOS 15, tvOS 15, watchOS 8, and MacOS 12 Monterey. The same caveats apply. Don't run it on machines you rely on, where you can't risk the chance of any instability. ®