Apple rolled out public beta versions for iOS 10 and macOS Sierra on July 7, Thursday a few days after releasing the second developer betas for the operating systems. This allows a wider range of Apple fans to test the brand new features and report bugs to the world's most valuable public company. Apple fans can participate in the Beta Software Program by visiting the website and signing up for the beta-testing program.
Apple unveiled macOS Sierra at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last month. This is the third consecutive year Apple has offered a public beta for a future desktop OS.
There are no fees charged for participating in the program but Apple recommends people install the beta versions on a second device. That is because software bugs could cause problems for smartphones, tablets, and desktops, according to MacRumors.
The Internet already includes various summaries, new features, and major changes for iOS 10 and macOS Sierra. They can also be discussed on online forums.
One of the most monumental changes to the former OS X is that Apple is bringing Siri to Macs. Voice commands on the Apple desktops are now as functional as on iPhones, and include some Mac-specific features.
Siri was introduced to iPhones five years ago, and since then has become a key feature of the smartphones. Apple joins other developers launching voice assistants to products. They include Google's Assistant, Microsoft's Cortana, and Amazon's Alexa.
Siri is now available on several Apple devices including the iPad and Apple TV. It is likely that the personal assistant will become a game-changer in how people interact with Macs.
macOS Sierra includes other new features. They include a picture-in-picture for videos, improved photo organization, iCloud Drive for sharing Desktop and Documents across all Apple devices, and Auto Unlocking a Mac using an Apple Watch wearable.
In related news, last month Apple added iPhone 6 and 6s series, and all iPad Pro models to its back-to-school promotion, according to Computerworld. The summer promo also includes most Mac computers including iMac, MacBook models, and Mac Pro. Apple customers can get $200 or $300 in credit for Powerbeats2 or Beats Solo2 wireless headphones.
Here's a video of Siri on Macs: