Apple issues second developer betas for iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, watchOS 8.6, tvOS 15.5

Apple has reached the second iteration of its betas for the current cycle, with developers able to test new builds of iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, watchOS 8.6, and tvOS 15.5.

The latest builds can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center for participants in the Developer Beta program, as well as via an over-the-air update for hardware already used for beta software. Public beta versions of the developer builds are usually issued within a few days of their counterparts, and can be acquired from the Apple Beta Software Program site.

This is the second beta round, following the first for iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, watchOS 8.6, and tvOS 15.5 which landed on April 5.

Apple also released the new closed beta for the HomePod Software version 15.5.

So far, there are relatively few notable public-facing changes in the betas. For iOS, spotted updates include the addition of Wi-Fi signal indicators in the Home app when managing a HomePod, as well as Request and Send buttons in Wallet for Apple Pay Cash.

With WWDC 2022 happening in June, it is unlikely that any major new features will surface ahead of the developer conference. It is more likely the bulk of beta updates will relate to bug fixes, security, and performance improvements.

The new build number for iOS 15.5 and iPadOS 15.5 is 19F5057e, up from 19F5047e. For tvOS 15.5 and HomePod software 15.5, the build number is 19L5557d, up from 19L5547e. For watchOS 8.6, the build number is 19T5557d, up from 19T5547f.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly advise users avoid installing beta software on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, due to the small possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to ensure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating in the first place.

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.