RC 2 of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, macOS 12.1 Released for Testing

Apple has issued a second Release Candidate build of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, and macOS Monterey 12.1 to all users who are enrolled in the beta testing programs for Apple system software.

RC, which stands for Release Candidate, typically is indicative of the finalized version of software that gets shipped to the public. The release of a second release candidate build likely means a notable bug or security issue was discovered and thus the RC build was updated, and it’s unlikely the RC 2 build includes any major changes or features.

With the RC 2 build being issued, it is reasonable to expect macOS Monterey 12.1, iOS 15.2, and iPadOS 15.2 to be released to the general public in the near future, possibly next week.

MacOS Monterey 12.1 RC 2 includes support for SharePlay, allowing users to share media over a FaceTime call, and the release also resolves some of the problems with macOS Monterey like tap-to-click not working as expected. MacOS Monterey 12.1 does not include support for Universal Control, the tentpole feature of Monterey which allows using a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple Macs and iPads. There are other smaller features and changes included in macOS 12.1 as well.

The MacOS Monterey 12.1 Release Candidate 2 build is available to download now from System Preferences > Software Update, where it will appear as available for users enrolled in the macOS beta testing programs.

iOS 15.2 RC 2 and iPadOS 15.2 RC 2 also include a few small new features, like App Privacy Report that shows users what data apps can access, a functionality to scan for AirTags that are located nearby, the Legacy Contact feature which allows you to set a legacy contact in the event of death, some new options for the Hide My Email feature, and child safety features for Messages. Bug fixes are also included for both iPhone and iPad.

The iOS 15.2 RC 2 and iPadOS 15.2 RC 2 updated builds are available from Settings > General > Software Update for any user in the iOS and iPadOS beta testing programs to download.

Release notes attached to the second release candidate builds appear to be the same for both macOS Monterey 12.1 RC 2 and iOS/iPadOS 15.2 RC 2.