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How to jump the queue and put Apple’s highly-anticipated iOS 10 on your iPhone NOW

Here's the lowdown on a trick which will allow you to leave other tech fans choking on your dust

Apple fans are waiting anxiously for the chance to get their grubby mitts on iOS 10, the latest version of the operating system for iPhone and iPad.

But if you're an Apple insider, you're probably already enjoying the bountiful benefits of having the very latest version of iOS on your smartphone and didn't have to wait until September like everyone else.

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The operating system is currently in beta testing, which means the software is being put through its paces by experts as well as members of the public.

If you want to sign up for the test, just and fill in your details to get the first crack of the whip.

You'll need to fill in your Apple ID, which is the same information that's used to access all of the tech firm's services.

If you're accepted, you should be able to test out a range of Apple software before it's officially released.

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So why are Apple fans so excited about iOS 10?
Here's our consumer editor Daniel Jones' rundown of its best features.

1. Lock and home screen revamp

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Engage with more detailed notifications on the home screen - such as reply to messages, see progress on your Uber or get more info on a news alert. Give a firm press and 3D Touch serves up more options.  Plus new feature called Raise to Wake might sound minor - lift up your locked phone to see all your notifications. But it addresses an unwanted side effect of the the speedy fingerprint scanner which unlocks the iPhone when hitting the home button to light the screen - clearing alerts.

2. Siri now works with more apps

Realising that her iPhone was out of reach, the fast-acting mum thankfully remembered about Apple’s voice-activated function, Siri and used her phone to call an ambulance
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Siri until now has only worked with Apple’s own apps, like Music, Messages and Email.
Now it also works with others - so you can order a taxi with Uber, send messages via WhatsApp and search photos on services like Pinterest.

3. QuickType now smarter

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Improvements to feature that suggests words or answers based on context when typing messages or emails. It now does more. So if someone texts to ask where you are it can send your location. Or if you get a message such as “What is Mr Money’s email”, Siri can offer to send the information with a single tap.

4. Recognise your friends and family in Photos

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Facial recognition means photos can be grouped according to who is in the snap. But the app can also recognise other stuff like footballs, sea and sun loungers - and cluster photos based on what you are doing and with whom. This lets it suggest themed Memories for, say, holidays or sports and so on.

5 Maps are smarter

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Maps now works with other apps so you can do lots more stuff in them - rather than just getting directions. So when planning a meal out, you can find the restaurant, invite pals, and of course get directions there - but also pay for the meal with Apple Pay and book a taxi home afterwards with Uber.

6. Music revamped

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All new re-design from ground up - with a simpler, less cluttered look. Within Library, it is much easier to find just your downloaded songs - until now tucked away. There are also lyrics. Meanwhile, the less unpopular Connect feature loses its own tab. For You gives fast access to songs recommended for you and recently played music.

7. News easier to read

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The app now has 2,000 publications including The Sun. The For You section is split up into topics such as top stories, sports, tech rather than articles being jumbled up in a long feed. There are also the option to subscribe to paid for magazines.

8. Control your home with Home

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A new Home app lets users who had smart gadgets control them easily. At the moment not many people have stuff like web connected cookers, fridges, lights, door locks and thermostats - but they are becoming more popular. Even John Lewis is pushing them. This app will be the place to control them.

9. Phone calls better

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Yes, some people still uses their iPhone to make phone calls. There is a voicemail transcription service so you can see what people want you for when in a meeting. Also calling from other services like WhatsApp is now built into the Phone app - so rather than just picking normal mobile call or Facetime you can also select WhatsApp.

10 More emojis in Messages

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Most frequently used app has a major update. So-called rich links mean if you send a webpage or a YouTube video the recipient gets a preview. Emoji are now three times bigger. And there are emoji predictions that come up - with keywords that have a relevant emoji highlighted. Plus send handwritten replies.
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