Apple seeds first public beta of iOS 12.1.1, restores macOS 10.14.2 beta for developers

Group FaceTime in iOS 12.1.

The iOS 12.1.1 beta is now available to everyone registered in Apple's Beta Software Program. Once a certificate is installed on a compatible iPhone or iPad, the software can be downloaded as an over-the-air update.

The first developer seed of iOS 12.1.1 was issued on Wednesday. The main changes so far appear to be upgrades to the FaceTime UI, including the reintroduction of Live Photo screencaps during calls.

The most welcome fix may be faster access to muting and camera-switch options, which in previous versions of iOS 12 required opening a secondary menu. Instead, 12.1.1 adds these to a reconfigured bottom bar.

Elsewhere, Apple News users can now hide the sidebar.

Apple has also launched a public beta of tvOS 12.1.1. That software requires a Beta Software Program enrollment, and ticking "Get Public Beta Updates" under the Software Updates section of the Settings app's System menu. Any improvements are so far undiscovered.

macOS 10.14.2 restored

The macOS 10.14.2 developer beta was quickly pulled from Apple's Developer portal on Wednesday for reasons unknown. With it back in place, app creators can test their software against Apple's upcoming code.

The previous build was numbered 18C31g — and the current distribution is unchanged.

Final versions of all three updates are likely a few weeks away, as Apple typically runs through several beta rounds before going live.