Skip to main content

Apple rolls out second beta of MacOS Sierra, iOS 10, and WatchOS 3

Apple WatchOS 3 Beta
Malarie Gokey/Digital Trends
It looks like Apple is making some headway on the software front. Just three weeks after rolling out the first developers betas for MacOS Sierra, iOS 10, and WatchOS 3, the second beta is now rolling out.

Updates to the three operating systems were first announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June, and a number of new features were shown off, especially, it seems, for iOS 10.

Recommended Videos

So what’s new? Well, let’s start with iOS 10. The second beta of Apple’s operating system for the iPhone and iPad brings the addition of the Messages App Store, which is now live with a number of stick packs available to download. 3D Touch shortcuts for the flashlight and Control Center now also have their own icons, and Apple’s new organ donor signup feature is included in the Health app.

When is comes to MacOS Sierra, the new beta brings Auto Unlock in the System Preferences. This allows users to unlock their computers simply by having the Apple Watch.

Last but not least is the second beta of WatchOS 3, which brings the Emergency SOS feature shown off at WWDC. This basically allows you to press and hold the side button, which will show an Emergency SOS option. If you hold the side button for six seconds, the feature will automatically activate and alert emergency services. To cancel the call, you can press down on the display and then select cancel.

When released to the public, the new operating systems promise to bring a slew of great features to users. iOS 10, for example will more deeply integrate with 3D Touch, and will have a smarter Siri that will be able to integrate with third-party apps. WatchOS 3, the operating system for the Apple Watch, will bring a smoother user experience and access to quick settings.

The three operating systems will roll out to consumers in the fall alongside Apple’s new devices, expected to be announced sometime in September or October. In the meantime, if you signed up for Apple’s developer beta, look out for an over-the-air update. It can also be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center.

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
Apple just launched the iOS 18.1 public beta. Here’s how it’ll change your iPhone
Someone holding an iPhone 15 Pro Max outside on a patio, showing the back of the Natural Titanium color.

This week is quickly shaping up to be a huge one for Apple fans. On Monday, Apple officially released iOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS 15 to the general public. Tomorrow, regular sales begin for the new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and Apple Watch Series 10. As if that weren't enough, Apple is now rolling out its first public betas with Apple Intelligence features.

Starting today, September 19, the public betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 are available for anyone to download. The main draw to these public betas is that they all include Apple Intelligence features, which were previously locked to the developer betas for these software versions.

Read more
Apple’s big iOS 18 update is now available for your iPhone
Siri being shown on an iPhone 15 Pro on iOS 18.

The wait is finally over -- iOS 18 is here. If you have a compatible iPhone (and the list is expansive), make sure to grab it now by simply going to Settings > General > Software Update. If you don’t see it just yet, keep checking as it continues to roll out for everyone.

iOS 18 is a big update for the iPhone, as it finally catches Apple up to competitors with Apple Intelligence, its suite of AI-powered tools. However, because of processing power, Apple Intelligence features require at least an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. All iPhone 16 devices, which will launch on Friday, will have access to Apple Intelligence. However, Apple has said that Apple Intelligence isn’t officially launching until iOS 18.1, which will be released in October.

Read more
Your iPhone and Apple Watch are getting huge software updates today
An iPhone home screen with iOS 18.

In June, Apple announced new software features for some of its most popular devices, including the iPhone and Apple Watch. Today, everyone with supported devices will receive the iOS 18 and watchOS 11 updates.

Apple has not officially announced the exact timing for today's new software updates, but they typically follow a consistent process for each update. It looks like iOS 18 and watchOS 11 will likely be released at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. In addition to these updates, Apple will release iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2.

Read more