Apple on Monday seeded the second beta version of iOS 12.2 to registered app developers. The second beta comes just about two weeks after Apple seeded the first version of the upcoming iOS 12.2 update. It’s also been around the same time since Apple pushed out the iOS 12.1.3 software update, which contained a number of bug fixes for iPhone, iPad and HomePod.
At this point, the full scope of changes in iOS 12.2 beta 2 isn’t clear. Some early changes spotted include a new AirPlay icon placement on the Now Playing tile and new beta versions of the Classroom 2.0 and 3.0 software. On the other hand, the first iOS 12.2 beta contained a number of other notable changes and additions, including:
- AirPlay and HomeKit support for upcoming Smart TVs.
- Some Safari refinements, including several new features and options focused on privacy and security.
- A couple of design changes to the Wallet interface.
- Apple News in Canada, including support for French- and English-language content.
- New Downtime option that lets you customize a schedule by day.
- Redesigned TV remote in Control Center.
- Other minor tweaks.
There were also some hidden hints at future Apple products within the first beta, such as code hinting at new AirPods with Hey Siri and a premium magazine subscription service are on their way. In addition, there were references to new iPad and iPod touch models.
These hints could suggest that the new AirPods and a magazine subscription service could launch concurrently, or shortly after iOS 12.2 is officially released to the public.
It’s likely that we’ll see a public software testing version of the second iOS 12.2 beta released within the next few days.
iOS 12.2 beta 2 should now be available to registered developers through the Apple Developer Center. Alternatively, it can be downloaded as an over-the-air update on devices with the right configuration profile.
As always, we don’t recommend downloading beta software on your “mission critical” devices. But, if you must, at least back up your device beforehand.