Apple on Tuesday seeded the fifth beta of the watchOS 2.2 update to developers, coming just over one week after the release of the fourth beta.
Developers can download the fifth beta – Build 13V5141a – via the Watch app on their iPhone, running the latest version of the iOS 9.3 beta. (Beta five.) Once the Watch app has loaded, go to: “General” -> “Software Update” to download the new beta. To install the update, make sure the Apple Watch is connected to a charger, has at least 50% battery left, and is in range of the iPhone.
The watchOS 2.2 beta, when used with with iOS 9.3, offers support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone. The new beta also offers a new look and features for the Maps app and Glances on the Watch.
In the current version of watchOS 2, version 2.1, the Maps glance simply displays a small map with the user’s current location. In the first beta of version 2.2 the glance now displays the following four “Quick Links” for directions: Home, Work, Search, and Nearby.
“Home” and “Work” automatically start navigation from the user’s current location to their preset home or work location.
“Search” offers the options of “Dictation,” and “Favorites,” plus a list of recently searched locations.
“Nearby” offers users a number of locations, based on certain categories, which include: Food, Drinks, Shopping, Travel, Services, Fun, Health, and Transport. Each one of those categories then offers a subcategory. The search functions are powered by Yelp.
watchOS 2.2 has currently been in beta since January 11, and is only available to developers for testing. watchOS 2.2 will likely to see a spring release alongside iOS 9.3, tvOS 9.2, and OS X 10.11.4, likely around the much-rumored March Apple media event.
