Download iOS 8

One of the biggest new features in iOS 8 is Continuity, which brings OSX and iOS closer than ever before. Features include being able to answer calls on a Macbook or iMac and instantly transfer work from one Apple device to another. Double-tapping the home button will now also open oft-used contacts as well as open apps. Tapping a contact reveals options to call, message or FaceTime that person.

Major cosmetic and feature upgrades have also been announced for Safari and Mail on both iPhone and iPad. Appointments and reservations in Mail can now be quickly added to the calendar, while it is also easier to mark messages as unread, flagged or delete them.Messages being composed can also be quickly minimised, making it easier to copy in new content.Spotlight in iOS 8 has also been revamped, allowing people to search for places, movie listings, content, web results and more besides. Searching in Safari also shows Spotlight suggestions.The iMessage app now supports group messages, names threads, message blocking and locations sharing.

Family Sharing is another new feature that will make it easier to share purchases, photos and calenders within the same household. Families with multiple Apple devices can download each other's iTunes, iBooks and apps, with the device supporting up to six Apple IDs.

Apple IDs can also now be created for children, with a new Ask to Buy feature asking for parental permission to complete purchases."iOS 8 offers simpler, faster and more intuitive ways to use your device with incredible new features like iCloud Photo Library, a new Messages app, the QuickType keyboard and an entirely new Health app," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering.

How to Install the iOS 8 BetaWhen you are ready, you can install the iOS 8 beta on the iPhone or iPad pretty easily. You will need to backup the device and be ready to not use it for a while as the process completes. You will need to decide if you want to restore from a backup when you are done, or use the iOS 8 beta fresh.

1. Make sure you are on the newest version of iTunes.

2. Connect the iPhone to the computer and perform a backup with iTunes.

3. Download the iOS 8 Beta for your iPhone model.

4. Open iTunes and upgrade to the iOS 8 Beta by choosing Restore.

Be sure to hold alt/option on Mac when you click Restore.
On Windows, hold Shift when you click Restore.
7. Find the .ipsw file you downloaded and select it.

8. Complete the installation and then restore from backup if you desire.

This will install the iOS 8 beta on the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPhone 4S. You can also install the iOS 8 beta on the iPad 3 and newer and the iPod touch 5th generation.