After several Beta versions launches, Apple finally introduced their newest OS, the iOS 8 during Worldwide Developer Conference. As you may guess, the features are loads more exciting and handier when compared to the previous versions. However, you need to wait to this year’s fall to finally test it out. But, in case you have been dying to try this OS for your devices, you will have to spend $99 to have a taste at it. That much is needed to become a developer. If you don’t want to spend a dime, you should know a developer that can add your device into his/her account.
So, what should you do to try it out? First of all, you need to always back up your gadgets – whether it is the iTouch, iPad, or iPhone. Let’s say you want to try the iOS for your iPhone, and then back it up to save crucial data through iTunes.
1. Visit iOS Developer Program and log into it. If you are lucky enough to know a developer, they can add your device. The account is allowed to have several different options for different devices.
2. You will be asked to accept the given terms and agreement. Until you agree on it, you won’t be able to access the tab for iOS 8 beta. In case you aren’t prompted about anything, find any yellow box on the upper part of the screen to agree on the terms.
3. After agreeing the terms, the tab for iOS 8 beta should be available. Click on it – not on other tabs – when downloading it. Before download, there are warnings that you should read and understand completely. If you truly understand everything, continue and download the .ispw file. You may be required to know the model number for your device. Find about it on the back of your iPhone – generally starts with letter “A” followed by numbers. Check and re-check the numbers, as you don’t want to experience fatal mistakes.
4. Go back to the Developer Center, choose the section for “Certificates, Identifiers, and Profiles.” You should see three options of iOS Apps, Mac Apps, and Safari Extensions. Go to iOS Apps, and choose Devices.
5. Add your gadget to the provided list. Simply choose All, and then click on the button “+” so you can add new device.
6. Make sure you locate the UDID of your device, which should be connected to iTunes. Go to Summary (on the iTunes), and then choose Serial Number several times until the UDID number appears. Copy it.
7. You need to go back to Developer Device so you can register it. After clicking on the “+”, give a name for your device, and then fill in the UDID slot, and finally click onContinue.
8. Your device has been registered as a developer. The .ispw file is already downloaded into your computer. Go back to iTunes, and choose Summary again. You should see the options of Check for Update / Update or Restore iPhone… on the right side of the screen. Click on either of them.
9. If you choose update, your device will naturally be updated. If you choose restore, everything in your device will be erased and the iTunes will automatically install the new version of the intended iOS. If you want your data back, simply perform ”Restore Backup” later. But if you choose “Restore iPhone…”, make sure you have disabled “Find My iPhone”. In case you have enabled “Find My iPhone” and you haven’t turned it off, there will be a notification instructs you to disable it.
10. Now, it is time to choose the .ispw file that is right for your device. Find it and open it up. There will be a pop up notification, giving you options to cancel or update. Choose Update and the new iOS will be automatically installed. Make sure you follow the instructions until the installation process completes.
