Apple seeds third developer betas of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, tvOS 15.2, and watchOS 8.3

By Malcolm Owen

Apple has moved on to the third round of developer betas, providing app makers with fresh builds of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, tvOS 15.2, and watchOS 8.3.

The newest builds can be downloaded via the Apple Developer Center for those enrolled in the test program, or via an over-the-air update on devices running the beta software. Public betas typically arrive within a few days of the developer versions, via the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The third-round builds follow the release of the second-round versions, which Apple provided to developers on November 9. The first round occurred on October 27.

The iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2 third developer betas carry a build number 19C5044b, replacing the second build, 19C5036e. The third tvOS beta is build number 19K5043b, the watchOS 8.3 has a build number of 19S5044c, and a new version of Apple's HomePod software has a listed build number of 19K5043b.

The second iOS beta introduced one of Apple's tools meant to help prevent the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which was postponed from implementation following criticism over privacy. The element in question aimed to stop children from seeing nudity in Messenger, with the image blurred and the child warned of its content.

Originally, the feature would warn a parent or guardian in control of a Family Sharing plan about the image. In the second version, due to the potential danger to the child by warning the parent, the child is instead provided help and resources.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly recommend users don't install the betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the remote possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to make sure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating.

Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.