Release Candidate Builds for iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and MacOS Ventura 13.1 Available for Testing
Apple has issued release candidate builds for iOS 16.2 for iPhone, iPadOS 16.2 for iPad, and macOS Ventura 13.1 for Mac.
All release candidate builds include support for iCloud Backups and iCloud Photos end-to-end encryption, a feature that has long been requested by data privacy advocates and security conscious individuals. Additionally, the release candidate builds for iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS 13.2 offer support for the new Freeform app, which is a collaborative canvas that allows multiple users to contribute content to a virtual canvas simultaneously. Support for Apple Music Sing, which is basically karaoke for Apple Music, will be included. Also, Apple has now limited AirDrop to be open to everyone for only 10 minutes, a change that recently helped a government in quelling protests.
iOS 16.2 RC includes support for a medication widget and sleep widget for the iPhone lock screen as well.
iPadOS 16.2 RC includes support for M1 or better iPad models to use Stage Manager with external displays.
MacOS Ventura 13.1 RC likely includes bug fixes and enhancements to Ventura.
iPhone and iPad beta testers can find iOS 16.2/iPadOS 16.2 release candidate build availble to download from Settings app > General > Software Update.
MacOS Ventura beta testers can find MacOS Ventura 13.1 release candidate build available from System Settings > Software Update.
The issuing of Release Candidate (RC) builds tend to suggest the beta testing period is over for new features, and, absent any notable bugs or last minute changes, can often match or closely match the final build issued to the general public. This suggests the final release of iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1 is coming soon, likely within the next week or two.
The most recent stable final builds of Apple system software available to the general public are iOS 16.1.2 for iPhone, iPadOS 16.1.1 for iPad, and macOS Ventura 13.0.1 for Mac.
