Apple restarts the developer beta cycle once again
Malcolm OweniOS 17
Following the public release of its operating systems in early March, Apple has started the beta cycle from square one with new builds of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and macOS Sonoma for developers to try out.
Developers participating in Apple's beta program can pick up new builds through the Apple Developer Center or more directly by updating their iPhone or iPad already running the betas via the Settings app. Public beta versions usually arrive a short time after the developer versions, and public participants can sign up through the Apple Beta Software Program website.
The new betas for iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, tvOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5 arrive after the public release of versions from the old beta, consisting of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, tvOS 17.4, watchOS 10.4, and macOS Sonoma 14.4.
The new iOS and iPadOS 17.5 betas have build number 21F5048f, meanwhile the first build of tvOS 17.5 and HomePod Software 17.5 is build number 21L5543d. The first watchOS 10.5 developer beta build is number 21T5545f, and macOS Sonoma 14.5's first build is number 23F5049.
At this early stage, it is unknown exactly what is included in the new batch of betas, but the contents are likely to surface as developers check out the downloads.
The main changes in the just-released iOS 17.4 include App Store changes to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act. Podcasts gain a new dialogue box icon in the lower-left corner, Music replaces Listen Now with Home, there's an update to Stolen Device Protection, Siri updates its message-reading language support, additional game streaming app support, and new emoji round out the list.
Apple also released Release Candidates for older operating system updates for developers. That's macOS Monterey 12.7.5 with build 21H1205 and macOS Ventura 13.6.7 with build 22G705.
AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users don't install test operating systems or other beta or RC software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the small 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 builds? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at [email protected].
Christine McKee
William Gallagher
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