iOS 15.5 and macOS 12.4 take a big step toward release

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iOS 15.5 and macOS 12.4 take a big step toward release
There are new release candidates for the operating systems that run all these Apple devices.
Photo: Apple

Apple gave both developers and the public access to the release candidates of macOS Monterey 12.4 and iOS 15.5 on Thursday. The iPadOS 15.5 Release Candidate also went out, as did the watchOS 8.6 RC and tvOS 15.5 RC. That’s the final step before introducing them to the public.

Aside from long-overdue improvements to the Studio Display webcam in macOS, all these are really just minor tweaks. But that’s not surprising considering Apple is expected to unveil the next major upgrades for the OSs at WWDC22 in early June.

What to expect in macOS Monterey 12.4

Release candidates are what Apple used to call golden masters, and give beta testers an opportunity to test the final version of operating systems before they’re introduced to average users.

As noted, the biggest change in the macOS 12.4 RC is a fix for Studio Display’s disappointing webcam, which drew intense criticism when screen launched. Initially, this update was integrated into an earlier macOS beta but is now separate as its own Studio Display Firmware 15.5 RC.

There are also some tweaks to the Podcasts application.

What’s coming in iOS 15.5 and iPadOS 15.5

One of the advantages of release candidates is they reveal the official release notes for the full version. That’s how we know that, according to Apple itself, “iOS 15.5 includes enhancements to Apple Cash card, Apple Podcasts, and other features and bug fixes.”

iPad users should know that “iPadOS 15.5 includes enhancements to Apple Podcasts and other features and bug fixes.”

Get these Apple release candidates now

Anyone interested can install macOS Monterey 12.4 RC, iOS 15.5 RC, iPadOS 15.5 RC, watchOS 8.6 RC and tvOS 15.5 RC now. They are available to registered and paying members of the Apple Developer Program, as well as the public Apple Beta Software Program.

Once testing of the release candidates is complete to Apple’s satisfaction, it’ll make the full versions available to all. That’s almost cartinly going to be the week of May 16 – 20.

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