Developers can now have the second beta versions of a range of Apple's operating systems for different products, including iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11.
The second release comes just sixteen days after Apple released the first set of betas. The final versions of these operating systems will arrive this fall. Developers, as always, get a headstart, of course.
iOS 11 Second Beta
The second beta release of iOS 11, carrying the build number 15A5304i, comes with a slew of changes and the usual spate of bug fixes, in addition to upgrades to Siri, Apple Play, Photos, and a general user interface revamp. Most notably, Apple appears to have activated the "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature, which the company previewed during this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. If it works as expected, the feature could diminish car accidents related to using mobile devices while driving.
What's more, the second beta release of iOS 11 also comes with fixes to the 3D Touch functionality, along with fixes to issues concerning third-party apps. The new beta also makes Android Migration work as intended, makes Bluetooth connectivity a tad more reliable, and finally allows users to download apps larger than 100 MB over a cellular connection.
macOS High Sierra Second Beta
Meanwhile, the second beta of macOS High Sierra, carrying the build number 17A291j, finally brings the Apple File System integration, the shift to the H.265 codec, and Metal 2. The second beta fixes an issue that prevented users from enabling FileVault on their APFS volumes, and Apple also brought improvements to Messages, OpenCL, FileVault, and a lot more.
watchOS 4 Second Beta
In terms of Apple's smartwatch line, watchOS 4 with the build number 15R5307f brings access to a set of animated Toy Story watch faces, which Apple demoed at the WWDC. The update also brings fixes to issues with haptic feedback, music playback, Siri functionality, and location-based HomeKit triggers.
Among the new watch faces included in the second watchOS 4 beta is one outfitted with Siri-based information unique to the owner. There is also a newly enhanced Workout app, which now supports High Intensity Interval Training.
tvOS 11 Second Beta
Last but not least, tvOS 11, carrying the build number 15J5310e, brings a number of fixes including a host of homescreen issues. Developers may now also more easily connect to an Apple TV for screen recording with QuickTime.
The second tvOS 11 beta also brings automatic switching between light and dark mode depending on local time, an option to sync a single home screen across multiple Apple TVs, Focus API improvements, and more.
All developers with registered devices will receive the update via the Software Update feature, but those who prefer to access the second betas via standalone images can get them through the Apple Developer Portal.
For those who don't have access to same portals as developers, you may still sign up for Apple's Beta Software Program to get public beta versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS as soon as they arrive.
Any developers out there who have already accessed the latest round of betas? How's the experience so far? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
