Apple Releases iOS 17 Developer Beta 2
Introduction
Apple is seeding the 2nd beta version of iOS 17.0 for developers. iOS 17 is a major update and Apple keeps releasing new features, making iOS 17 more stable and refining already introduced features as we move closer to the actual release date. Of course, we have a long time until iOS 17 is released for all in September. The build number for this version is 21A5268h. Public beta is not expected until late June / early July.
Apple also released the second developer beta versions of iPadOS 17 (build number: 21A5268h), tvOS 17 (build number: 21J5293g), macOS 14 Sonoma (build number: 23A5276g) and watchOS 10 (build number: 21R5295g).
Update to iOS 17
The beta update process is now quite simple after iOS 16.4. Users are no longer required to download a beta configuration profile and install it on their device. You just simply go to Settings - General - Software Update and select iOS 17 Developer Beta if they want to update their device on the latest iOS version available for developers. Users can always select “Off” to opt-out of beta updating.
New Features (to be updated with new features)
Apple Music Crossfade Duration
Apple Music users now have the ability to adjust the Crossfade Duration directly from the Settings. Upon accessing the Music settings, a new slider will be available, enabling users to fine-tune the Crossfade duration according to their preferences. The slider allows adjustments ranging from 1 to 14 seconds, giving users greater control over the transition between songs for a seamless listening experience.
Touch Duration
Apple has introduced a new feature that allows users to customize the duration of touch required to activate Haptic Touch actions and contextual menus on iOS icons or objects. With the option set to "fast," the time needed to hold an icon before the menu appears closely resembles the experience of using 3D Touch on compatible devices in the past.
Select Messaging App When Sending Messages via Siri
When requesting Siri to send a message to a contact, users are now presented with the convenience of selecting their preferred messaging app.
Safari Private Mode
A notable change has been made to accessing Private Browsing Mode on Safari, compared to Beta 1. In the latest update, the option no longer necessitates Face ID authentication unless there are active tabs in private browsing mode. If all tabs are closed, Face ID authorization is no longer required.
Updated Airdrop UI
Apple has implemented a clearer indication regarding the proximity requirement when using AirDrop to send files between iPhones. The updated feature now emphasizes the need for iPhones to be in close proximity to establish a successful file transfer. This enhancement ensures that users are aware of the physical proximity requirement, facilitating smoother and more reliable file sharing experiences between devices.
New Widget Size Options
In the second developer beta of iOS 17, Apple has introduced new widget options for enhanced customization. Users now have access to a new semi-transparent Clock widget option. Additionally, the Music app has received two new Top Chart widget size options that provide users with quick access to popular songs, albums, and playlists.
Live Wallpapers
Apple now allows you to set Live Wallpapers as iOS 17 Wallpapers with Motion. This does not seem to work with Live Photos shot on older iOS versions. It remains unclear though which photos are supported.
