How do I....install Apple’s iOS 10 beta?

Apple unveiled iOS 10 at its developer conference in San Francisco in June, and it's expected to go out for general release this autumn. But if you can't wait that long, you might want to look at the public beta programme. It's your chance to get your hands on the new software for your iPhone and iPad before its general release later this year.

If you fancy trying your hand at being a software guinea pig, read on.

Why do I want it?

If you are the type of person who likes to get the inside scoop on things, then having the beta software will give you a head start on the rest of the Apple users out there. You’ll also be able to give your feedback on the software, so in a way you could help shape the future of iOS.

There are some interesting features coming in iOS 10. Siri is going to be integrated into third party apps where developers can find a use for it. Apple Music is getting a complete facelift. iMessage is going to allow handwritten notes and some animations. Maps is getting smarter too. (For more on iOS 10, try here.)

Basically, it’s giving the whole system a bit of a polish.

What should I know?

This is beta software which means there may be bugs, it’s likely that some of your apps will refuse to work, and it’s not something Apple generally recommends that you install on your main device. If you have an old iPhone or iPad that you’re no longer using or you don’t mind putting out of action for a while, that’s the device you want to try.

One caveat: iOS 10 drops support for some devices, so you won’t be able to use anything older than the iPhone 5, the iPad 4th generation and iPad Air, the iPad mini 2 and the iPod Touch sixth generation.

Still with us?

How to do it:

First things first: as with any software update, back up your phone to iTunes. If anything goes wrong, you’ll need this backup to restore your device to its former self. Apple also recommends you archive the back up to save it.

To access the beta programme, you’ll need to log in your with Apple ID, so keep it handy.

Go to beta.apple.com on the iOS device you want to install the test software on. Click the “sign up” button, and sign in with your Apple ID when prompted.

Choose iOS, and click on enrol your device.

If you have done your back up as suggested, go to beta.apple.com/profile, and follow the prompts. The software will be installed on your device and you will be able to try out those new software features for the next few weeks.

It will restart your device, and the software update will be available under Settings>General>Software update.

What else?

You’ll need access to a wifi network to download the beta.

Also, if you don’t fancy giving Apple anonymous usageand diagnostic data, you can disable it through Settings>Privacy>Diagnostics and Usage>Don’t send.