Apple releases iOS 17.2 Beta 4 For Developers
Introduction
With the public release of iOS 17.1.2, rumored to be coming soon, Apple releases iOS 17.2 Beta 4, initially available for developers and soon to be accessible for public beta testers. A highly anticipated addition to iOS 17.2 is the Journal app, first unveiled during the June 2023 WWDC. Beyond the introduction of this first-party application, Apple has incorporated several noteworthy features in iOS 17.2 such as Spatial Video for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The rollout doesn't stop at iOS – Apple has also seeded fourth beta versions of watchOS 10.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2, and tvOS 17.2. Notably, tvOS 17.2 introduces a captivating new user interface (UI), complementing the comprehensive update. Simultaneously, Apple has released the fourth beta for HomePod software version 17.2.
Default Alerts
Apple is finally granting iPhone users on iOS 17.2 the ability to customize their Default Alerts sound and the default Haptics - a feature never offered before. This update comes as a welcome relief for numerous iPhone users on iOS 17, given that Apple altered the default Tri-Tone to a subtle sound that frequently slips under the radar. This adjustment has triggered a wave of dissatisfaction among users, prompting Apple to respond by empowering iPhone users to handpick their preferred Alert Sounds. This newfound flexibility addresses a longstanding concern, allowing users to personalize their iPhone experience with a sound that resonates more effectively with their preferences.
Spatial Video
The headline feature of iOS 17.2 is the introduction of Spatial Video, an impressive new capability now available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple initially unveiled this feature during the iPhone 15 Pro keynote back in September 2023. The prospect of capturing immersive 3D video and reliving those moments on the Apple Vision Pro is undeniably thrilling. However, there remains some ambiguity regarding whether Apple will extend compatibility for viewing Spatial Videos on non-Apple devices.
Check everything new about Spatial Video here.
Other New Features
Unlike its predecessor, iOS 17.2 is not solely dedicated to stability improvements; instead, it introduces a range of exciting features. Here's a succinct overview of the key additions:
New Journal App: The long-awaited Journal app, announced in June 2023, is now integrated into iOS 17.2.
New Action Button Option: “Translate”: Enhancing user convenience, Apple introduces a new "Translate" option for the iPhone 15 Pro’s action button.
New Apple Music Features: The update brings fresh features to Apple Music, enhancing the overall music streaming experience with collaborative Playlists and a new Favourites’ Playlist that contains all the songs that you have favourited. Collaborative Playlists has been temporarily removed on beta 4 although any shared Playlists during the previous iOS 17.2 beta seem to be still accessible.
New Widgets - Weather & Clock: Users can now enjoy new widgets for Weather and Clock, providing better at-a-glance information.
Rainbow Font Color in Contact Posters: Aesthetic customization is expanded with the introduction of rainbow font color for contact posters.
iMessage Contact Key Verification: Security is boosted with the addition of iMessage contact key verification.
Messages: React with a Sticker or an Emoji: Expressiveness in messaging is further enhanced with new reaction options including stickers and emojis.
New Memoji Body Customization: Users can personalize their Memojis further with a new body option.
New Page Turn Animation on Books: Fast Fade: An improved page-turning animation, "Fast Fade," enhances the reading experience in Books.
iPhone as AirPlay Receiver: iOS 17.2 extends functionality by allowing iPhones to serve as AirPlay receivers.
New Live Wallpaper: Apple is reintroducing a new live wallpaper Collection available in 9 colorways.
We will update this article once we identify other new features arriving with iOS 17.2 beta 4.
