AppleInsider Staff
Apple on Monday provided developers with its fourth pre-release beta of iOS 8.2, a forthcoming software update that will unlock connectivity with the Apple Watch.
The fourth beta of iOS 8.2 with WatchKit is now available for download on test hardware via Apple's developer center and with over-the-air updates in the iOS Settings application. People familiar with iOS 8.2 beta 4 said it is identified as build 12D5461b.
As usual, Apple has warned beta testers that the pre-release build of iOS 8.2 should only be deployed on devices dedicated for beta software development.
The release of beta 4 comes less than a month after Apple issued iOS 8.2 beta 3 on Dec. 18. That version was identified as build 12D5452a.
The first iOS 8.2 beta debuted WatchKit support in mid-November, giving developers their first crack at creating applications for the forthcoming Apple Watch. Developers can create custom third-party applications, Glances, and actionable notifications for the upcoming hardware, set to hit the market in early 2015.
Marko Zivkovic
Christine McKee
Andrew Orr
Malcolm Owen
Amber Neely
17 Comments
Apple is definitely preparing the App Store to launch with thousands of Apple Watch apps when Apple (expectantly) will release the Apple Watch this Spring.
Who cares about thousands of apps, you can buy a much cheaper and more capable Apple Watch clone right off the show floor at CES... /s
So, basically, if you don't plan on getting the AppleWatch (which I don't)...don't bother installing this update? Or will there be some bug fixes and other assorted odds and ends? I like to stay current, but if this only implements compatibility with AppleWatch, I'll hold off till 8.3...or is that likely to end up as iOS 9?
Man I hope we get an event invite announcement right around the time of MWC. Even better would be for the Watch to launch that week but my guess is it won't be ready yet.
[quote name="carmelapple" url="/t/184270/apple-supplies-developers-fourth-beta-of-ios-8-2-with-watchkit-support#post_2660271"]So, basically, if you don't plan on getting the AppleWatch (which I don't)...don't bother installing this update? Or will there be some bug fixes and other assorted odds and ends? I like to stay current, but if this only implements compatibility with AppleWatch, I'll hold off till 8.3...or is that likely to end up as iOS 9?[/quote] I'm sure this will include bug fixes as well.