Apple seeds first Release Candidate beta of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, tvOS 15.2, and watchOS 8.3

Apple has moved on to the fifth round of developer betas, providing app makers with the first release candidate builds of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, tvOS 15.2, HomePod software 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 fifth-round builds follow the release of the fourth-round versions, which Apple provided to developers on December 2. This is the first release candidate beta, which means Apple is preparing the final version for public release.

The iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2 fifth developer betas carry a build number 19C56, replacing the fourth build, 19C5050b. The fifth tvOS beta is build number 19K53, the watchOS 8.3 has a build number of 19S55, and a new version of Apple's HomePod software has a listed build number of 19K52.

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 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.