The company Apple has released the fourth beta versions of its products (iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4 and watchOS 3.2) for members of the Apple Developer program. iOS 10.3 beta 4 (build 14E5260b), macOS Sierra 10.12.4 beta 4 (build 16E175b) and watchOS 3.2 are available for download via the update mechanism on devices with suitable configurations. We will update this page if we discover new features or important technical changes in new beta releases.
iOS 10.3
In addition to the usual bunch of performance and security fixes and improvements, iOS 10.3 includes more than a dozen new features, nice additions, and other user-friendliness changes.
One of the biggest was the introduction of the FindAirpods function to detect lost headphones through the Find app iPhone and service. A one-handed keyboard was also discovered in beta iOS 10.3, but it is not clear if it will be available in the final version for the end user.
iOS 10.3 includes a new 'Application Compatibility' section in the settings where legacy 32-bit applications are exposed. The updated system alert now states that 32-bit applications can slow down 64-bit devices, essentially confirming that 32-bit applications will not work on future versions iOS without updating.
This is another sign that iOS 11 is likely to be exclusively 64-bit.
iOS 10.3 also supports dynamic updating of icons. This will allow third-party applications to display their state by changing their icon on the desktop. For example, the app icon may change after upgrading to the full version of the app through the built-in purchase mechanism.
These are just a few of the many useful improvements and productive changes that iOS 10.3 will receive when released this spring, for example:
- File System Apple File System (APFS).
- iCloud Analytics opt-in feature
- New settings design iCloud.
- Improvements in Siri and CarPlay.
- Reduce Motion for websites
- Disable ratings and reviews inside apps.
- Hourly forecast in Maps.
- Improved navigation in Mail chat mode.
- Facilitates typing on Chinese and Japanese keyboards.
'When iOS 10.3 becomes available to end users, you will be able to reply to user reviews at App Store. The replies will be visible to everyone ', notes Apple.
Among other things, iOS 10.3 updates the firmware AirPods to version 3.5.1.
macOS Sierra 10.12.4
The new Sierra 10.12.4 update adds night switch mode.
This feature was originally intended to help users iOS maintain the screen temperature manually or based on the time of day.
Night switch settings are available in System Settings, Notification Center and via Siri.
A dedicated preferences panel lets you adjust the time at which your Mac screen will gradually change from blue to yellow to reduce the amount of cyan that interferes with sleep.
In addition to night switching, macOS Sierra 10.12.4 includes support for Shanghai voice input, an updated PDF API with some bug fixes, and a new iCloud Analytics feature.
MacOS Sierra 10.12.4 update, according to Apple, 'improves Mac stability, compatibility and security'.
watchOS 3.2
The watchOS 3.2 beta includes Theater Mode, a new toggle in Control Center to quickly disable wake up and audible alerts at Apple Watch.
As reported by Apple,
'Theater Mode gives users the ability to quickly mute their Apple Watch and also avoid turning on the screen when raising their wrist. Users will be able to receive notifications in theater mode, but to see them, you need to press the screen or the wheel '.
In addition, watchOS 3.2 allows you to control your favorite apps through Siri, so you can send a message, make a payment, order a taxi, call friends or search for images using your voice, just like on iOS 10.
iOS 10.3 and macOS Sierra 10.12.4 are also available to Apple Beta Software members. Beta versions of watchOS and tvOS are currently not available this way.