AppleInsider Staff
Apple on Monday issued the first beta versions of iOS 10.2, macOS 10.12.2 Sierra, watchOS 3.1.1 and tvOS 10.1 to developers for testing, all of which include unspecified bug fixes and performance improvements.
Release notes accompanying each of the four betas offer little information about what the updates include beyond maintenance changes, but large download packages — 1.78GB for iOS 10.2 — suggest new features are bundled with the software.
Major additions for iOS 10.2 include a selection of fresh wallpapers and emoji characters, which debut alongside minor additions like new first-party widgets and system settings tweaks.
The latest beta software does not contain the recently announced "TV" app that aggregates pre-recorded and live streaming content into one convenient location on tvOS, iOS and macOS. Revealed last week as part of Apple's MacBook unveiling, "TV" acts as a hub for streaming services, allowing users browse from a selection of curated content, search for new shows, tune in to live presentations, and more.
Apple said "TV" will launch on all three of its major platforms as a free software update in December.
Today's beta seeds come hours after the public release of iOS 10.1.1, a minor point update that addressed an issue that prevented some users from viewing data in the Health app. Last week, Apple issued iOS 10.1, bringing Portrait mode capabilities to iPhone 7 Plus, as well as Apple Pay and transit directions to users in Japan.
Developers can download the latest beta releases from Apple's developer webpage or directly on test devices via Software Update.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
9 Comments
Waiting eagerly for Apple TV Single Sing-On and TV App. Hope, part of next tvOS beta after 10.1.so can debut in early December.
Oh please tell me star ratings are in this beta! I can't find evidence they made their way back in 10.1. If you are a developer, please feedback the need for star ratings in the Music app. I've done all I can at www.apple.com/feedback (where, by the way, there is NO "iOS" or "Music app" to choose so we're left guessing is it "iPhone" or "Apple Music" in which to deposit our feedback). Thank you!
I always like / wait for the x.2 versions.
I don't know why, I just do.
Where the F is single sign-on?
People literally cheered when they announced this at the developer conference ... and we still don't have it.