Apple issues second developer beta for iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, tvOS 16.3, watchOS 9.3

16.3 beta 2 now available for developers

Apple is now on its second round of developer betas, with fresh builds of iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, tvOS 16.3, and watchOS 9.3 downloadable by developers.

Developers can download the latest builds by taking part in the beta testing program via the Apple Developer Center. Public beta versions of the releases generally arrive a short while after their developer counterparts, available through the Apple Beta Software Program.

Apple released the first betas of this round on December 14, 2022. There are minimal changes in this beta cycle so far.

The second iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 betas have build number 20D5035i, replacing build 20D5024e. The second beta of watchOS 9.3 has build number 20S5637h, replacing build 20S5626e. The tvOS 16.3 build number and HomePod Software Version 16.3 build is 20K5637g, up from build 20K5626c.

So far, exploration of the first build of iOS 16.3 has revealed support for physical security keys as a second factor, such as a Yubikey. The addition will be useful for people with a public profile, including journalists, celebrities, and members of government.

AppleInsider and Apple strongly advise users don't install beta operating systems, or beta software in general, on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.

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