One day after the official release of iOS 12 and watchOS 5, Apple has released new developer software beta versions for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Both iOS 12.1 developer beta 1 and watchOS 5.1 developer beta 1 are now available for testing. tvOS 12.1 developer beta 1 is also available.
The new developer software betas are available on Apple’s web portal for registered developers. The updates should appear as an over-the-air update shortly. Note that the iOS 12.1 beta does not include restore images for the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max — something upgraders may want to consider before switching iPhones on Friday over an iCloud or iTunes backup.
Apple has a number of new features coming soon to iOS and watchOS including dual SIM support, Group FaceTime, the new ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4, and more.
- iOS 12.1 build: 16B5059d (up from 16A366)
- watchOS 5.1 build: 16R5559d (up from 16R364)
- tvOS 12.1 build: 16J5575c (up from 16J364)
Over-the-air updates are now available. The update should appear with the existing developer beta profiles installed. Release notes still coming.
From the release notes:
Overview
The iOS 12.1 beta SDK provides support for developing iOS apps for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch devices running iOS 12.1. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 10.1 available from the Apple Developer Program download page. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 10.1, see Xcode Release Notes.
General
There are no notes or known issues for this software update.
New in iOS 12.1:
- Group FaceTime is back in beta
UPDATE: Steven Troughton-Smith has shared more details on Twitter about what iOS 12.1 code changes are present including landscape Face ID support:
https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/1042130349478879232
https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/1042131610345369600
For a recap of all the latest software updates Apple released yesterday, catch up on our coverage:
- iOS 12 is now available with performance boosts, Screen Time, smarter notifications, much more
- watchOS 5 for Apple Watch now available with Podcasts and Walkie-Talkie apps, much more
- tvOS 12 now available for Apple TV 4 and Apple TV 4K, brings Dolby Atmos audio, screensaver updates, more
- HomePod update adds multiple timers, Find My iPhone, making and receiving phone calls, and more
- Shortcuts for iOS 12 now available on the App Store, replaces Workflow
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