Apple Releases Public Betas for Next-Gen OS Updates: A Comprehensive Look
Apple, the tech giant, has recently released the first public beta builds of its next-generation operating systems. In this article, we will provide a detailed analysis of these updates and what they entail for users.
Firstly, let's take a look at which operating systems have been made available for public beta testing: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15 Sequoia, tvOS 18, and HomePod Software 18. These updates will bring new features and improvements to Apple devices.
Some older devices are being dropped from these releases. For instance, the watchOS 11 update is dropping the Series 4 and Series 5 models as well as the first-generation Apple Watch SE. Similarly, some older phones and tablets are also being left behind in this update cycle.
Apple has not yet released a public beta build of visionOS 2, the first major update to the Apple Vision Pro's operating system. Users who want to try out new Vision Pro features ahead of time will still need to opt in to the developer beta for now.
Now, let's dive into some specific updates that users can look forward to:
Home screen customization: iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 bring more home screen customization options, allowing users to move apps around and change app icon colors freely. This is a significant departure from Apple's previous stance on home screen design.
Window tiling and iPhone mirroring: macOS 15 Sequoia introduces window tiling, which allows users to split their screen into multiple windows for increased productivity. Additionally, iPhone mirroring enables users to use their iPhone as a second display for their Mac.
RCS text messaging support: All of Apple's platforms will now support RCS text messaging, providing enhanced features such as read receipts and high-resolution media sharing.
Other notable updates: iOS 18 brings a redesigned Photos app that uses AI to organize photos into trips or albums. macOS 15 Sequoia introduces new password management features and digital money transfer capabilities in the Messages app. tvOS 18 enables satellite messaging for sending messages without wifi or cellular service.
It's important to note that these public betas are not as stable as the final releases, which will be available later this year. Users should make a backup of their devices before updating and be prepared for potential bugs and instability.
In conclusion, Apple's next-gen operating system updates bring significant improvements and new features to its devices. While some older models are being left behind, users can look forward to customization options, enhanced productivity tools, and improved messaging capabilities. Stay tuned for more updates as these betas continue to evolve.