iOS 18.6 RC beta and more now available as launch nears - 9to5Mac

Apple Releases New Betas for iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, and More

In a recent move, Apple has released new release candidate (RC) betas of its latest operating systems, including iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, watchOS 9.7.4, and tvOS 23.3. These betas are now available to developers and public beta testers, offering a glimpse into the upcoming features and improvements that will be included in the final versions of these operating systems.

iOS 18.6

The latest iOS RC beta brings several new features and enhancements, including:

  • Improved Performance: The new beta promises faster app launching times and improved overall system performance.
  • Enhanced Security: Apple has enhanced security features, including better protection against phishing attacks and improved data encryption.
  • New Emoji: The latest beta includes a range of new emojis, including ones for more diverse skin tones and hairstyles.
  • Enhanced Multitasking: iOS 18.6 introduces new multitasking capabilities, allowing users to easily switch between multiple apps and open them in split-screen mode.

macOS 15.6

The macOS RC beta also brings several new features and improvements, including:

  • Improved Performance: Like iOS, the new beta promises faster performance and improved overall system responsiveness.
  • Enhanced Security: Apple has enhanced security features, including better protection against malware and improved data encryption.
  • New Features for Professionals: The latest beta includes new features specifically designed for professionals, including improved support for external displays and enhanced audio editing capabilities.
  • Enhanced Accessibility: macOS 15.6 introduces new accessibility features, including improved support for voice control and enhanced keyboard navigation.

watchOS 9.7.4

The watchOS RC beta brings several new features and improvements, including:

  • Improved Health and Fitness Tracking: The latest beta includes new features designed to improve health and fitness tracking, including enhanced heart rate monitoring and improved workout analysis.
  • Enhanced Notification Management: watchOS 9.7.4 introduces new notification management capabilities, allowing users to easily switch between notifications from different apps.
  • New Apple Watch App Templates: The latest beta includes new app templates designed specifically for the Apple Watch, making it easier for developers to create high-quality watch apps.

tvOS 23.3

The tvOS RC beta brings several new features and improvements, including:

  • Improved Siri Capabilities: The latest beta introduces improved Siri capabilities, allowing users to easily access information and control their TV experience.
  • Enhanced User Interface: tvOS 23.3 includes a range of new user interface enhancements, including improved support for multiple apps on the home screen and enhanced audio processing capabilities.
  • New Game Controllers: The latest beta introduces new game controllers, designed specifically for gaming on Apple TV.

What's Next?

The release of these betas marks an important milestone in the development process for Apple's upcoming operating systems. As developers continue to test and refine these operating systems, we can expect to see further improvements and enhancements before the final releases.

In the meantime, developers and public beta testers will have a chance to get hands-on experience with these new features and improvements, providing valuable feedback that will help shape the final versions of iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, watchOS 9.7.4, and tvOS 23.3.

Timeline

Here's a rough timeline for when we can expect to see the final releases of these operating systems:

  • iOS 18.6: Expected release in late summer or early fall 2024
  • macOS 15.6: Expected release in late winter or early spring 2025
  • watchOS 9.7.4: Expected release alongside iOS and tvOS, likely in late summer or early fall 2024
  • tvOS 23.3: Expected release alongside watchOS and iOS, likely in late summer or early fall 2024

Conclusion

The release of these new betas marks an exciting milestone in the development process for Apple's upcoming operating systems. As developers continue to test and refine these operating systems, we can expect to see further improvements and enhancements before the final releases. With so many new features and capabilities on offer, it's clear that Apple is committed to delivering the best possible experience for its users.

Whether you're a developer or just an enthusiastic user, staying up-to-date with the latest betas and release candidate builds is essential for getting the most out of your Apple devices. So mark your calendars, grab your beta testers, and get ready to experience the latest and greatest from Apple!