Category: Beta

Apple not just tests the software now, but also tested critical security fix delivery. New iOS releases will have separate update options that include 'Rapid Security Response and System Files'.

Updates are working similar to regular updates, but probably will be smaller in size and quicker to install.

References:

• Apple Releases Rapid Security Response Update for iOS 16.2 Beta Users
• 5 important iPhone security features you should know about

Apple publishes next round of beta versions for iOS/iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, watchOS 9.2 and tvOS 16.2. No new Xcode beta is published so far.

Apple continues to polish different aspects of iOS – this beta provides more options for always-in display – wallpaper and notifications could now be turned off.

This update is to introduce Freeform app for collaborative editing to multiple Apple platforms.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes:

• iOS & iPadOS 16.2 Beta 3 Release Notes
• macOS Ventura 13.1 Beta 3 Release Notes
• watchOS 9.2 Beta 3 Release Notes
• tvOS 16.2 Beta 3 Release Notes

References:

• Latest iOS 16.2 Beta Lets You Disable Wallpaper and Notifications for Always On Display

Apple publishes new technology preview for Safari.

‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release 157 includes bug fixes and performance improvements for Web Inspector, CSS, Rendering, JavaScript, WebCodecs, Web API, Media, Web Animations, HTML, Accessibility, Security, Privacy, and Safari Web Extensions. 

MacRumors

Now Safari Technology Preview works with macOS Ventura, but no longer compatible with macOS Big Sur.

Download: Safari – Resources

Release notes: Safari Technology Preview Release Notes

Reference: Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 157 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

Apple publishes beta 2 for iOS/iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, watchOS 9.2 and tvOS 16.2. No corresponding Xcode version is published.

iOS 16.2 is to launch 5G in India, Medication Widget is added.

Also iOS 16.2 introduces Custom Accessibility Mode which guides user with accessibility settings in a streamlined manner. It is not yet known, if iOS 16.2 will actually ship this functionality.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes:

• iOS & iPadOS 16.2 Beta 2 Release Notes
• macOS Ventura 13.1 Beta 2 Release Notes
• watchOS 9.2 Beta 2 Release Notes
• tvOS 16.2 Beta 2 Release Notes

References:

• iOS 16.2 beta 2 and more now rolling out to developers ahead of December launch
• Everything New in iOS 16.2 Beta 2: 5G in India, Medication Widget and More
• iOS 16.2 to introduce ‘Custom Accessibility Mode’ with streamlined experience for iPhone and iPad

Live Activities in iOS 16.2 will have more frequent updates option. Sport scores are also enabled for Live Activities by Apple TV app.

Also, Sleep Lock Screen widget is now available in iOS 16.2. It is also mentioned that Medication widget soon to be available.

tvOS 16.2 brings Siri voice recognition to Apple TV.

References:

• Live Activities to Get More Frequent Updates Option in iOS 16.2
• iOS 16.2 Beta Reenables Live Sports Scores on Lock Screen and Dynamic Island via Apple TV App
• tvOS 16.2 Beta Enables Siri Voice Recognition on Apple TV for Personalized Usage
• iOS 16.2 Beta Adds New Sleep Widget to Lock Screen
• iOS 16.2 adds new Sleep widget for your Lock Screen, Medications widget also coming soon

Apple provides developers with access to first beta of iOS/iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, watchOS 9.2 and tvOS 16.2.

Beta brings Freeform app which Apple demoed on WWDC22. External display support is also now available for iPads with M1 and M2 chips.

Also new beta brings new Home app architecture aimed to improve stability of smart home management.

Also, iOS 16.2 will have an option to report erroneously triggered SOS calls to Apple. Possibly, this should minimize false calls in the future.

Notably, no new Xcode beta is published. Xcode 14.1 is still in RC2 stage.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes:

• iOS & iPadOS 16.2 Beta Release Notes
• macOS Ventura 13.1 Beta Release Notes
• watchOS 9.2 Beta Release Notes
• tvOS 16.2 Beta Release Notes

Apple Developer: Get ready with the latest beta releases

References:

• iPadOS 16.2 Beta Adds Support for Using Stage Manager With External Displays on M1 and M2 iPads
• iPadOS 16.2 beta adds Freeform collaboration app, Stage Manager external display support
• iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 Betas Introduce Freeform App
• iOS and iPadOS 16.2 Betas Overhaul Home App Architecture With Improved Performance
• iOS 16.2 beta introduces new architecture to the Home app for a more reliable experience
• iOS 16.2 lets users report to Apple when Emergency SOS is unintentionally triggered
• Hands-On With the New Freeform App in iPadOS 16.2
• Everything New in iPadOS and iOS 16.2 Beta 1: Freeform App, Stage Manager External Display Support, Accidental Emergency SOS Reports and More

Apple releases major updates to iPadOS and macOS. iPadOS 16.1 and macOS 13 Ventura bring several notable features:

• Stage Manager on both macOS and iPadOS (currently limited to several iPad models);
• Weather app for both platforms;
• Shared iCloud Photo Library.

iOS 16.1, watchOS 9.1 and tvOS 16.1 are also released today. HomePod software is also updated to 16.1 version.

These updates also bring:

• Support for Matter smart home standard;
• Live Activities on iPhone;
• Clean Energy Charging in select US states;
• New Siri UI and features for Apple TV;
• A lot of other updates across the systems.

Interestingly, Apple Card Savings Account was not introduced with iOS 16.1. It is now expected to be added later.

Also Apple releases Safari 16.1 for older macOS releases.

iOS 16.1 brings support for SKAdNetwork 4.0. Update provides more details on ad performance, better analysis of web ads leading to App Store pages.

Xcode 14.1 gets second Release Candidate so far.

Beta download: Applications

Release notes: Xcode 14.1 RC2 Release Notes

Apple Newsroom:

• iPadOS 16 is available today
• macOS Ventura is now available

Apple Developer:

• SKAdNetwork 4.0 now available

References:

• Apple Releases tvOS 16.1 With Siri Improvements, iCloud Shared Photo Library, Matter and More
• Apple Releases New HomePod 16.1 Software With Matter Support
• Apple Releases watchOS 9.1 With Battery Life Improvements and Matter Integration
• Apple Releases iOS 16.1 With Support for iCloud Shared Photo Library, Matter, Live Activities and More
• Apple Releases iPadOS 16 With Stage Manager, Weather App, Desktop Class Apps and iOS 16 Features
• Apple Releases macOS Ventura With FaceTime Handoff, Continuity Camera, Stage Manager, New Apps and More
• iOS 16.1 Includes Several Improvements to SKAdNetwork for Advertisers
• Apple Delays Daily Cash Savings Account for Apple Card Users
• macOS Ventura: 50 New Features and Changes Worth Checking Out
• Safari 16.1 Brings Support for Passkeys, Web Push, Apple Pencil Hover and More
• Apple Shares More Details on iOS 16.1 Clean Energy Charging Feature
• iOS 16.1 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.1
• Stage Manager on iPad: How to use the polarizing new feature in iPadOS 16 [Video]

During recent RC publication Apple also published iOS 15.7.1 RC keeping updating older iOS major release with bug fixes.

It turns out that this RC might break Face ID for some users. Affected devices include iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro. User might see "Face ID Is Not Available" error message.

Reference: iOS 15.7.1 Release Candidate Breaking Face ID for Some iPhone Users

Apple publishes RC 2 for macOS 13 Ventura. No notable changes or fixes are reported.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes: macOS Ventura 13 Release Notes

Apple invites developers to submit apps targeting upcoming releases. Xcode 14.1 RC is required to submit apps to App Store.

Public release for macOS 13 Ventura, iPadOS 16.1 and other platforms is planned for October 24.

Apple Developer:

• Mac App Store submissions now open for macOS Ventura
• App Store submissions now open for iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1
• App Store submissions now open for watchOS 9.1
• App Store submissions now open for tvOS 16.1