How to get a sneak peek at the next Apple update

Want to get in on the next Apple iPhone update before it's even finalized? Soon, this privilege only afforded developers may be yours.

9to5Mac reports that before the next update to iOS, iOS 8.3, is completed, it will go into public beta, meaning that you'll have the opportunity to test it out before it's fully cooked. Expected in mid-March, the move is an effort to eliminate more bugs before the full release. According to sources who spoke to 9to5Mac, the public beta program for iOS may be limited to 100,000 people.

The update will give emoji users 300 new pictograms and the option to choose a skin color for human characters. By pressing on a yellow face or a gesturing hand, users will be able to select from a range of five complexions. There will also be families with same-sex parents and 32 new country flags, according to reports from developers who have already gotten a sneak peek. Oh, and there's also a symbol for the Apple Watch.

Also coming: More tweaks to make Siri sound better. A reader provided 9to5Mac with this comparison of Siri in the 8.1.1 iOS versus the upcoming 8.3 version: