The fourth beta of the next versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS just became available for developers. Apple has apparently reached the point where it’s not adding new features to these, but is fixing bugs.
It’s possible features could be removed from the various betas, though.
This happened in the last version of this operating system. The two biggest features in iOS 11.4 were originally going to be part of version 11.3 but were dropped during the beta process. Apple felt it wouldn’t have time to get them sufficiently debugged before the release of that earlier version.
Happily, both backing up Messages in iCloud and AirPlay 2 are still going to be part of iOS 11.4, despite their earlier delay.
Messages in iCloud for all
Speaking of which, the major new feature in macOS 11.13.5 is support for Messages in iCloud. It’s still part of today’s developer beta 4 for Apple’s laptops and desktops.
And tvOS 11.4 beta 4 includes support for AirPlay 2, allowing a single source to send audio to multiple speakers.
watchOS 4.3.1 will apparently not bring any new features to Apple Watch users. It’s just there to fix issues from earlier versions.
At this point, the fourth betas of all these operating systems are available only to developers. Still, public versions are expected soon.
Anyone who wants to participate in the Apple Beta Software Program can sign up today. It’s free to anyone willing to take the risk of using software on their iPhone, Mac, etc. that’s known to contain bugs.
