Apple releases new betas
Shortly after unveiling macOS Sonoma and various other updates, Apple wasted no time making its operating system's initial beta versions available to users.
Developers enrolled in the program can access the latest builds by either visiting the Apple Developer Center or updating their Macs with the beta software. For public users, beta versions will be made available through the Apple Beta Software Program shortly after the developer versions are released.
macOS Sonoma
The first beta for macOS Sonoma 14.0 has the build number 23A5257q, which is up from the 22G5038d build of the second beta of macOS Ventura 13.5 that Apple released on May 31.
One of the company's announcements at WWDC 2023 on Monday was macOS Sonoma. It includes features such as screensavers, a new "Presenter Overlay" for video users, and private updates to Safari.
AirPods
Apple also released a new developer firmware beta for its AirPods with version 6A5238h, up from the 5E135 from May 2.
Apple typically doesn't provide detailed release notes for the firmware update to the AirPods products, but users can generally expect to find bug fixes and other improvements.
iOS 17 & iPadOS 17
Next, Apple has issued the first developer beta for iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 that it announced on Monday. The new build number is 21A5248v, up from the second iOS 16.6 beta of 20G5037d from May 31.
Announced at WWDC 2023 on Monday, iOS 17 includes Contact Posters for Apple's Phone app, a Catch-Up arrow in Messages, an update to AirDrop, and more features.
tvOS 17
Apple has next released the first developer beta for tvOS 17. The new build number is 21J5273q, up from the previous version of 20M5538d from May 31.
Some of the new features in tvOS 17 include a redesigned Control Center for tvOS, surfacing important information so people can see them at a glance. Another new feature is the ability to use an iPhone to locate the Siri remote, so users can easily find their device.
watchOS 10
Finally, the first developer beta for watchOS 10 is also out. It's a significant update that includes some redesigned apps, a Smart Stack widget option, and new functionalities to support physical and mental health.
For example, the Apple Watch can seamlessly link with Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories like power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors. This feature introduces an array of new metrics, including cycling power measured in watts and cadence measured in RPM (rotations per minute).
AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users don't install beta operating systems or other beta software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is a chance of issues that could result in the loss of data, predominant in early versions. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.
Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at [email protected]sider.com.
