Apple has launched the third public beta version of the iOS 9.3 mobile operating system to non-developer testers, following the third beta for developers launched this week.
The first beta version of iOS 9.3 revealed the new Night Shift mode, which automatically reduces the blue light that users are exposed to at night by using more yellow tones for the Apple mobile device's display.
The first beta also introduced several updates for educational users, additional shortcuts for the 3D Touch feature for stock apps such as Health, Weather, App Store, iTunes Store and Settings, and the option for locking Notes through Touch ID. For the second beta, Apple added a Night Shift toggle to the iOS Control Center.
These features are still included in the third beta, which also packs a feature that will be very beneficial to Verizon subscribers.
The third beta of iOS 9.3 includes Wi-Fi calling for Verizon subscribers. The feature allows users to make calls and send messages over Wi-Fi networks if cellular services are not available or weak in certain areas. After the feature is set up, the mobile device will automatically use it when needed.
The Apple mobile devices that are currently compatible with Wi-Fi calling are the iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus, the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus.
Verizon subscribers should be happy to see that the feature is included in the upcoming update, especially as Apple has already supported Wi-Fi calling for all other major networks in the United States, namely AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.
Also included in iOS 9.3 is in-line video playback for News, along with landscape mode for iPhones and more customization options. The Health app will also receive a new Activity interface similar to the Apple Watch.
One other thing that is said to be discernable from the iOS 9.3 beta versions is that the software contains a hidden message that says the iPhone 7 will be dropping the classic 3.5mm headphone jack.
The assumption, however, is not supported by enough evidence, and Apple has not yet confirmed nor denied that the headphone will indeed be absent when the iPhone 7 launches.
