14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is offering developers the first beta of iOS 8.1.1, an upcoming new version of the mobile software that contains bug fixes and improved stability for certain device models.
In typical fashion, the Cupertino giant used the news section of its developer center to let the world know that iOS 8.1.1 beta was available for download on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch test devices.
On the iOS Dev Center, where the IPSW files can be found for each individual iDevice model, Apple stresses that developers need to back up their devices using the latest version iTunes or iCloud Backup before installing iOS 8.1.1 beta.
Users can then restore their device using either the latest version of iTunes or through iCloud backup if anything goes wrong or if they simply want to abandon the beta.
What’s new in iOS 8.1.1 beta
Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t include many new features or even many fixes for user-reported issues, but the company does assure developers that “This release includes bug fixes, increased stability and performance improvements for iPad 2 and iPhone 4s.”
In other words, those with old-generation devices having problems running iOS 8 might finally get the software they deserve.
The iOS 8.1.1 seed notes include numerous references to known issues and workarounds. These apply to areas like AVCapture, CloudKit, Contacts, Document Providers, Extensions, File System, Fonts, HealthKit, iCloud Drive, Keyboards, Notification Center, Photos, WebKit, and Wi-Fi Calling.
“This version of iOS is intended only for installation on development devices registered with Apple's Developer Program,” Apple also stresses. “Attempting to install this version of iOS in an unauthorized manner could put your device in an unusable state, which could necessitate an out of warranty repair,” the company adds.
This is just to ensure that no one bricks their device attempting to run development software. While you may feel tempted to get your hands on the new firmware before others, this time around there’s no real reason to use it before the public release.
“Devices updated to iOS 8.1.1 beta can not be restored to earlier versions of iOS. Only registered development devices will be able to upgrade to future beta releases and the final iOS software,” the Cupertino mammoth adds.
Apple TV Software beta
Alongside iOS 8.1.1 for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, Apple has released a new beta of the Apple TV software, also for testing and development purposes. The company usually releases new TV betas alongside any new iOS beta to allow developers who sell AirPlay apps to test their solutions against and between both devices.
Developers looking to download iOS 8.1.1 beta and Apple TV Software beta can do so at the iOS Dev Center.