Skip to main content

Apple releases iOS 9.3 beta 6 with Night Shift, Touch ID Notes, Verizon Wi-Fi Calling, more

Apple has released sixth iOS 9.3 pre-release beta for developers and public beta testers to use ahead of its release. The software update is expected to be released later this month. Features include a new Night Shift mode which changes the color temperature of displays, Touch ID- and password-protected items in the Notes app, new CarPlay features, expanded 3D Touch options, and much more.

Apple previously toyed around with changing how the Apple Pencil worked on iPad Pros — removing scrolling and panning navigation — but eventually decided to leave full functionality intact starting with beta 5.

Apple’s Health and Activity apps have also been upgraded with app recommendations, Apple Watch fitness data panels on the dashboard, a more detailed Workouts view, and more.

iCloud for iBooks enables PDF syncing between iOS devices, Verizon iPhones gain Wi-Fi Calling, Apple’s News app includes new enhancements, Apple Music doesn’t have to add playlists songs to My Music, multiple Apple Watches can be paired to a single iPhone, and many other changes are included.

The update measures around 38MB (relatively small) and could be one of the final betas before the GM or official release later this month.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. Jonny - 8 years ago

    Call me crazy but I would love either a) a different graphic each time there’s a beta update (.6 so 6 updates, times 2 for the public beta vs dev) or b) the top of the post being isolated to only show what is new as opposed to the run down of everything… lets reward people who every post about this by giving them what they came for, not a re-has.
    That’s all the complainin’ I got for now.

    • r00fus1 - 8 years ago

      So you want release notes for the beta? Isn’t that available at the Apple dev site?

      • Jonny - 8 years ago

        Snap reaction on my part. I visit this site a couples times/day.. I’m not a developer and not on the public beta so I don’t visit the dev site. I would guess a good portion of readers who are also window-shopping on upcoming developer stuff would rather see it here as well than see a post on this site that there’s been an update and then go log-in to the developer site to see the release notes. I just get excited to see that there’s a new update and look to see what’s new.

      • scottsj41 - 8 years ago

        Agree

    • Jonny - 8 years ago

      Forgive spelling and grammar. Or don’t. Choose your own adventure.

    • applewatch20152015 - 8 years ago

      I would agree. I’m not a developer but I am a public beta tester. I’d love to see an update since the last beta.

    • scottsj41 - 8 years ago

      Yes agree would be nice

  2. example46780 - 8 years ago

    I Cant update to beta 9.3 even though I’m signed into the apple beta software program so what do I do?

  3. example46780 - 8 years ago

    And I’m TRYING to help beta test!

    • scottsj41 - 8 years ago

      I had to add my account again. Due to a upgrade. Try signing back as a beta tester again. Worked for me

  4. 89p13 - 8 years ago

    Bypass for the GovOS for Brute Force Attacking?

    J/K – Relax . . . . . I think.

    ;)

    • example46780 - 8 years ago

      No, I want to know how to do it or better yet, know why it keeps saying “there was an error processing your request”

      • example46780 - 8 years ago

        any relatable help would be really appreciated

      • appgarlaschelli - 8 years ago

        just wate.. it takes some time for Apple’s servers to catch up and make the update available to everybody. try again later

      • appgarlaschelli - 8 years ago

        *wait

  5. michael0810 - 8 years ago

    Finally, they (re-)added the functionality to watch videos full screen in the Music and Podcasts apps on iPad!

  6. michael0810 - 8 years ago

    In iBooks, I noticed that the Purchased tab has been completely redesigned (quite buggy though) and now offers family sharing for audiobooks.

  7. Tobiasz James Osicki - 8 years ago

    Anyone else’s text messaging not working after the update?

  8. RRB (@RRBaca) - 8 years ago

    When will wi-fi calling work for Verizon??? 5S???

    • Derek Witt - 8 years ago

      I’ve had Verizon WiFi Calling since Beta 4. It’s been quite nice thus far. A slight delay (but to be expected with Wifi Calling).

  9. Derek Witt - 8 years ago

    I’ve had Verizon WiFi Calling since Beta 4. It’s been quite nice thus far. A slight delay (but to be expected with Wifi Calling).

  10. scottsj41 - 8 years ago

    I’d like to see apple let its public change the clouds to differnt colours for texting. All we have is the standard clouds. Green or blue for iPhone

  11. scottsj41 - 8 years ago

    Be able to Change the cloud color for texting other then green and blue

  12. scottsj41 - 8 years ago

    A much better beta with way better battery saving would be awesome

  13. scottsj41 - 8 years ago

    The signal strength needs to be improved big time it was much better in iOS 9.1

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.