Apple issues first iOS 14.2, iPadOS 14.2, watchOS 7.1, tvOS 14.2 betas to developers

The releases come one day after the next-generation iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7 and tvOS 14 operating systems were pushed out to users around the world, offering access to a slew of new features, performance enhancements, bug fixes and more.

It is not clear what changes the new beta variants contain. In past years, Apple has rapidly deployed iterative point updates to squash bugs and other problems discovered following major public releases. There is also a possibility that new features will roll out as part of the update group.

News of the pending updates were first outed in an Xcode 12.2 beta earlier today, though the developer tool offered no clues as to what issues the new versions address.

It can be surmised that Apple will push out intermediate iOS 14.1, iPadOS 14.1 and tvOS 14.1 updates prior to the 14.2 iterations that are now up for testing. The company sometimes skips beta testing when it makes changes to internal builds that do not require outside input from developers.

This article will be updated when more information is available.

Update: Beta adds Shazam music recognition to Control Center.

Update 2: Also included is a new accessibility option called "People Detection" that, when activated, allows users to open Magnifier to determine the distance to a nearby person. Music controls in Control Center get a redesign, complete with music recommendations that appear when nothing is being played. The Watch app icon has also been refreshed.