AppleInsider Staff
As scheduled, Apple on Monday released the first beta versions of its next-generation operating systems — iOS 11, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, watchOS 4 and tvOS 11 — to developers for testing.
Following onstage presentations of each major platform, developers can now download initial beta versions from Apple's developer website.
Apple's iOS 11 carries the largest number of changes, with upgrades to Siri, Apple Pay, Photos and a general user interface revamp. Control Center, for example, has been completely redesigned to include a wide array of app and system controls, including 3D Touch support for deeper access.
A number of first-party apps are also getting enhancements. Maps, for instance, incorporates a new Do Not Disturb feature for safe driving, while at the same time adding detailed indoor maps for major malls and airports.
The App Store is also receiving its first revamp in nine years, with a tab-based layout promoting popular apps, games, videos and curated content.
In addition, iPad is the recipient of major feature additions with iOS 11, including a new dock with drag and drop functionality, a Files app for file management, deeper Apple Pencil integration, augmented reality support and more.
As for macOS 10.13 High Sierra, Apple is incorporating a number of backend improvements like Apple File System integration, migration from H.264 to H.265, Metal 2 optimization and more. Like iOS 11, the forthcoming macOS also includes AR integrations, as well as new versions of first-party apps. The OS is also building in support for external GPUs.
On the Apple Watch front, watchOS 4 contains a number of incremental changes like a dedicated Siri watch face that uses machine learning to predict user interactions, as well as kaleidoscope and Toy Story watch faces. Activity tracking features have also been buffed, with updated workout features and interoperability with fitness machines.
Finally, tvOS 11 offers a few minor updates and improvements including new background modes, support for notifications and more.
Developers can download iOS 11, macOS 10.13, watchOS 4 and tvOS 11 from Apple's developer portal.
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12 Comments
CoreNFC is also a new API allowing for reading of NFC tags. Only available on iPhone 7 models, so it seems the NFC chip received an upgrade with the new phone.
I've always wanted my iPad to work more like my Mac (unlike many naysayers here) and I'm glad Apple listened to its customers. Excited for the release of iOS 11
I have my 2013 Mac Pro 6 core currently installing 10.13 beta on an external SSD clone of my internal HD all my other externals are off line. I have never seen so many restarts and progress bars! I have three screens and they are doing some funky things. After restarts, sometimes all three are showing bar, sometimes the center one, some times only the outside two. It's quite exciting to watch. Currently 36 minutes to go.