Apple publishes the first public betas of iOS 12 and tvOS 12

Announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month, the beta versions of iOS 12 and tvOS 12 were released to developers exactly three weeks ago on June 4th. Coders also accessed macOS Mojave and watchOS 5.

Both versions of the software can be downloaded from the Apple Beta software program website.

iOS 12

Leading the way in today's beta series is iOS 12. Unlike previous versions that include revamped user interfaces and paradigm shift features, Apple is looking to push its system to the next level. Mobile operation with some additions of features and improvements.

In an on-stage preview at WWDC 2018, Apple touted the compatibility of iOS 12 with older hardware, often a bone of contention with disreputable upgravers to update due to the inevitable slowdowns in performance. With iOS 12, however, Apple is making concerted efforts to improve the performance of current and old iPhone and iPad devices. Effectively, AppleInsider The tests showed an improvement in speed when updating an iPhone X from iOS 11 to the first beta version of iOS 12.

In addition to performance improvements, first-party applications and services are undergoing a redesign, from Siri to Apple Pay and Photos. For example, Siri will acquire new processing capabilities and integrations with third-party applications through the new Shortcuts application. Not yet available for beta testers, Shortcuts provides a framework for easily creating complex Siri commands with multiple commands.

For example, a shortcut demonstrated on stage at WWDC triggered various actions, including recovering location and traffic information, turning on HomeKit devices, sending text and opening a radio station continuously, all with voice control. " go home".

System level improvements are also inbound. The new tools located in the settings allow users to track the use of the app, the time spent on their device, the time their kids spend on their devices and more. Designed to develop and maintain healthy usage habits, Screen Time and the updated Do Not Disturb features allow you to track usage patterns in detail and have the ability to set limitations or restrictions based on time.

The augmented reality of the first part also benefits from an ARKit 2.0 protocol that allows for multi-user experiences. With the updated framework, Apple is pushing the new USDZ file format for better management of 3D image data files.

Other new features include customizable Memoji characters, FaceTime group calls, AR-powered Measure app and more.

tvOS 12

Although not the recipient of radical changes and major additions, Apple TV should be modified this fall when tvOS 12 will go live for consumers. Dolby Atmos surround sound support comes on Apple TV 4K models, while Apple works with cable providers to streamline the connection process to third-party multimedia applications.

The new elements of Aerial Screensaver will also arrive alongside tvOS 12, users are now able to browse the list of available images by dragging their Siri remote.

A word of warning

As with any beta version, the seeds of Apple 12 for iOS 12, macOS Mojave and tvOS 12 are far from stable and therefore should not be installed on daily drivers. The installation and running of beta software on critical machines is discouraged. Users should only test new software on a secondary iPhone or Mac, preferably software that does not contain important data.

AppleInsider highlighted the pitfalls of beta testing when developer versions of the next-gen software from Apple were put online, noting that any risk lies with the user when evaluating these early versions of the software.