Apple issues fourth developer betas of iOS 10, watchOS 3, tvOS 10, macOS Sierra

Apple on Monday provided registered developers with its fourth pre-release betas of iOS 10 for iPhone and iPad. In addition, macOS Sierra beta 4 for Mac, watchOS 3 beta 4 for Apple Watch, and tvOS 10 beta 4 for Apple TV were also released [updated].

All four updates are now available to download via Software Update on their respective devices, or through Apple's developer portal. Xcode 8 beta 4 is also available. The new builds are identified as:

• macOS Sierra beta 4 (16A270f)
• iOS 10 beta 4 (14A5322e)
• watchOS 3 beta 4 (14S5302d)
• tvOS 10 beta 4 (14T5308d)
• Xcode 8 beta 4 (8S188o)

The new updates arrive two weeks after the third betas were released. Release notes indicate that the updates contain bug fixes and improvements.

As always, Apple cautions that beta releases should only be deployed on devices dedicated for beta software development.

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.