Apple Releases OS X 10.11 and iOS 9 Public Betas

Apple has publicly released test versions of such OS X 10.11 El Capitan as iOS 9 to users who have signed up for the manufacturer’s beta program. Until now, only ‘developers’ could work with the operating systems.

Both OS X 10.11 and iOS 9 have been made available through Apple’s beta program. Not everyone who has registered will be able to download the software immediately: Apple is rolling out the test versions in phases. Apple had previously released beta versions of its operating systems for the Mac and for the iPhone and iPad, but those were only available for “developers” to download, although in practice many more users than developers turned out to have access to the software. From now on, all registered users can test the software.

It is unknown how the public test versions differ from the previous betas. Apple warns that this is software that is still in development, so some apps and services may not yet function fully.

Apple has made Siri smarter with iOS 9 with the Proactive Assistant. From iOS 9, users of the iPad can run two apps side by side and folders will now show four by four icons. The Notes app will also receive support for photos and drawings and the Maps program will show public transport routes, but not yet in the Benelux.

OS X 10.11 El Capitan promises to bring performance improvements especially when loading and multitasking. Also, the OpenGL library will be replaced by Metal, which will give developers more direct access to the graphics chips. In addition, OS X 10.11 includes a split-screen display option and the Spotlight search function has been expanded.