Apple issues first iOS 10.2, macOS 10.12.2, watchOS 3.1.1, tvOS 10.1 betas to developers

By 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.