iOS 12.3 Beta 6 Released for Testing
Apple has released iOS 12.3 beta 6 to users enrolled in the beta system software testing program. The sixth beta build comes just a few days after the fifth beta build, and thus far has arrived on its own rather than with new beta updates to the other ongoing beta builds of macOS, tvOS, or watchOS.
Usually a developer beta build comes out first and is soon followed up by a public beta version of the same build.
It’s unclear why a sixth beta build of iOS 12.3 was released so quickly after the fifth beta build was released only days ago, but it could just be a natural acceleration of the beta release schedule, or perhaps a notable bug was discovered that Apple wanted to prioritize.
iOS 12.3 beta 6 can be downloaded now to eligible iPhone or iPad hardware from the Software Update function within the iOS Settings app, assuming the device is enrolled in the beta testing program.
The iOS 12.3 beta thus far has focused predominately on a redesigned TV app, with features that promote content suggestions, upcoming content, and paid subscription services. Beyond that, iOS 12.3 will also likely include bug fixes, general improvements to iOS, and security resolutions as well.
Apple usually goes through several beta builds before issuing a final version to the broader public, and therefore keeping an eye on beta releases can offer insight into when future software updates will be coming out to all other users. An acceleration of beta releases may suggest that iOS 12.3 will be released sooner than later, though it’s still reasonable to speculate that final builds of iOS 12.3 and macOS 10.14.5 may arrive later.
Perhaps related, WWDC 2019 begins on June 3 and is expected to demonstrate iOS 13 and macOS 10.15, along with tvOS 13 and watchOS 6, to the public for the first time.
Stable system software versions of Apple operating systems are currently iOS 12.2 for iPhone and iPad, macOS Mojave 10.14.4 for Mac, tvOS 12.2 for Apple TV, and watchOS 5.2 for Apple Watch.
