Apple has erupted in a storm of betas today, as the Cupertino device maker has released the first betas of iOS 9.3, tvOS 9.2, watchOS 2.2, and OS X 10.11.4 El Capitan to developers.
iOS 9.3 Beta 1
The iOS 9.3 beta -Build 13E5181d – is available for download from the Apple Developer Center. A public beta will likely soon follow.
At this point in time, we don’t know for sure what new features or bug fixes might be included in the first iOS 9.3 beta, but we’ll let you know with an update right here as soon as we know more.
(UPDATE!) – The New iOS 9.3 Includes (via MacRumors):
Apple Watch: Using iOS 9.3 and watchOS 2.2 allow an iPhone to pair with more than one Apple Watch. Both devices require the latest beta updates. with Apple Watches running watchOS 2.2 and the iPhones running iOS 9.3.
Night Shift: iOS 9.3 reduces blue light at night, much like f.lux does on a Mac.
Notes: The app is now password protected, and includes new features for sorting by date created, date modified, or alphabetically.
Apple News: Improved News algorithms offer more tailored articles in the “For You” section. It also includes a new landscape mode and in-line video playback.
Health: A new interface makes it easier to see move, exercise, and stand data. A new menu in certain categories helps users to discover apps that can be used to track health data.
CarPlay: CarPlay includes “New” and “For You” sections in Apple Music, and a “Nearby” feature in Maps helps users discover the best local restaurants, coffee shops, and more.
Education: Shared iPads for students, a new Classroom app, and an Apple School Manager.
OS X 10.11.4 El Capitan Beta 1
The OS X 10.11.4 El Capitan beta – Build 15E27e – is available for download from the Apple Developer Center. A public beta will also likely soon follow.
Again, we don’t know what new features of bug fixes are included in this beta, but we will report back as soon as we hear something.
tvOS 9.2 Beta 1
The tvOS 9.2 beta – Build 13Y5179e – is available for download from the Apple Developer Center.
We do know the changes in tvOS 9.2, they include:
- Bluetooth Keyboard support
- Folders support for grouping apps on Home screen
- MapKit support
- Siri support for US Spanish (in US only) and French Canadian (in Canada only)
- Siri support for UK English, Australian English and US English available across the UK, Australian and US Storefronts when English is set as the system language
- Updated App Switcher UI
watchOS 2.2 beta 1
The watchOS 2.2 beta – Build13V5098e – is also available for download from the Apple Developer Center.
What’s new in watchOS 2.2 (via MacRumors):
Apple Watch – With watchOS 2.2 and iOS 9.3, the iPhone is able to pair with more than one Apple Watch. Both updates are required, with each watch running watchOS 2.2 and the iPhone running iOS 9.3.
Other Betas
Apple also released betas of OS X Server 5.1 (build 15S5058), Xcode 7.3 (build 7D111g), and Apple Configurator 2.2 (build 3C19).
All of today’s betas are of the “point 1” variety, indicating the releases could include important new features and important bug fixes for the operating systems and other software. Well keep you posted on developments.
