(Telecompaper) Apple plans to launch a public beta programme for the iOS operating system, allowing customers to test out the software before its general release. The feedback is expected to help the company improve the software. Multiple people briefed on the plans told the site 9to5Mac that iOS 8.3 will be released as a public beta via the company's existing AppleSeed program in mid-March. Around 100,000 people will be allowed to test the software. Apple did a similar thing with its last Mac launch, OS X Yosemite last year, which was released last year for beta testing. The latest iOS software will also be available for developers when it enters the Apple Seed programme. The update is expected to include support for Wireless CarPlay, improvements to the Siri personal assistant and simpler access to Google services. The next full release of iOS, version 9, is expected at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June.