iOS 12.1 Beta 5 Released for Testing

Apple has released iOS 12.1 beta 5 to users enrolled in the iOS developer beta testing program. Usually the same build as a public beta arrives soon after.

Separately, Apple has also released watchOS 5.1 beta 5 and tvOS 12.1 beta 5. While macOS 10.14.1 beta 5 has not yet been released, sometimes the beta releases for macOS and iOS are a day or two off.

iOS 12.1 beta includes over 70 new Emoji icons, along with support for group FaceTime video chat with up to 32 participants. For iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max users, iOS 12.1 beta also includes a depth-of-field adjustment capability for those devices cameras. iOS 12.1 beta also likely focuses on resolving bugs and other issues that may have existed in the initial iOS 12 release.

Users who are actively enrolled in the iOS 12.1 beta testing program can find iOS 12.1 beta 5 available to download through the Settings app.

Those who are beta testing watchOS 5.1 and tvOS 12.1 can find the beta software updates available for those devices through their respective Settings apps as well.

While there is no known public timeline for the final release of iOS 12.1, Apple has announced a product event for October 30, which is rumored to focus on updated iPad Pro and MacBook hardware. It’s certainly conceivable that the final releases of iOS 12.1, macOS 10.14.1, tvOS 12.1, and watchOS 5.1 will debut sometime on or around that date, though that is merely speculation.