Beta 3 of iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, and macOS Monterey 12.3 Released for Testing
Apple has released the third beta versions of iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, and macOS Monterey 12.3 to users enrolled in the beta testing programs.
A developer beta build is typically available first, and soon followed by the same beta for public beta users.
iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3 include the much anticipated Universal Control feature, which allows a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple Macs and iPads. While most users are better off waiting for the final public release, adventurous users can try Universal Control right now by running the betas on their Mac and iPad.
iOS 15.4 beta includes support for using Face ID with a mask, contactless Tap To Pay payments support, an Apple Card widget, and digital EU covid vaccination passes.
iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, and macOS Monterey 12.3 all also include support for iCloud Keychain notes, and new Emoji icons including a salute, melting face, troll, pregnant man, low battery icon, bubbles, hands forming a heart, biting lip, and more. Emojis are often the most popular reason for some users to update system software, so these should become widely used once they’re rolled out to all users.
Users enrolled in the beta testing programs can find the latest third beta builds available to download now. For iOS and iPadOS, this is done through Settings > General > Software Update. For macOS, they are available through > System Preferences > Software Update.
Apple usually goes through several beta versions before issuing a final release to the general public. The pace of beta builds has been almost weekly currently, and rumors suggest there may be an Apple Event on March 8, which may offer a timeline as to when users can expect the final versions of iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, and macOS 12.3 to become available. Apple has previously said that Universal Control is coming in the spring of 2022.
Currently the most recently available final versions of system software are macOS Monterey 12.2.1 for Mac, iOS 15.3.1 for iPhone, and iPadOS 15.3.1 for iPad.
