Apple issues third betas of iOS 10, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3 [updated]

Apple on Monday provided developers with the third pre-release betas of three of its four upcoming platform updates, squashing bugs and addressing issues with iOS 10 and tvOS 10, as well as watchOS 3. A new macOS Sierra build, however, did not arrive.

Members of Apple's registered developer program can now download the beta 3 builds for iOS 10, tvOS 10 and watchOS 3. A new Xcode beta is also avaialble. Release notes indicate that the new builds contain bug fixes and improvements.

As usual, Apple has advised that its beta builds should only be deployed on devices dedicated for software development.

iOS 10 beta 3 is identified as build 14A5309d, watchOS 3 beta 3 carries build 14S5290d, tvOS 10 beta 3 is build 14T5296d, and Xcode 8 beta 3 is build 8S174q.

The third betas arrive less than two weeks after developers were provided with beta 2 builds. All of Apple's four major platforms were announced at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

iOS 10, macOS Sierra, tvOS 10 and watchOS 3 are all scheduled to be released to the general public this fall, likely in late September when new iPhones are expected to launch. Members of the public can also opt in to test the pre-release versions of iOS 10 and macOS Sierra through Apple's public beta program.

macOS Sierra will bring a variety of enhancements, such as Siri support and optional cloud-based file management features. Some smaller features will include Auto Unlock for Apple Watch owners, and Web-based Apple Pay.

iOS 10 includes major notification improvements, third-party app support in Siri, and upgrades to apps like Messages, Maps, and Photos. watchOS 3 offers things like much faster loading times for apps, and iOS-style Control Center and multitasking functions. tvOS is gaining HomeKit control, a dark mode, and single sign-ons for cable subscriptions.