Beta 1 of iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, macOS 12.4 Released for Testing

Apple has released the first beta versions of iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, and macOS Monterey 12.4. The beta versions are available first to developers and typically roll out to public beta testers soon after.

Additionally, watchOS 8.6 beta 1 and tvOS 15.5 beta 1 are available to users beta testing on an Apple Watch or Apple TV.

No significant new features are expected in the beta updates, but early reports indicate that Universal Control is being worked on and if you install one of the beta versions of iPadOS 15.5 or macOS 12.4 then you must also run beta versions on other devices you’re hoping to use Universal Control with. Presumably the betas will include the typical round of security updates, bug fixes, and minor revisions and enhancements to the MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS operating systems.

Those who are enrolled in the beta programs for iOS and iPadOS can download iOS 15.5 beta 1 and iPadOS 15.5 beta 1 from Settings > General > Software Update.

Mac beta testers can download the macOS Monterey 12.4 beta 1 build from System Preferences > Software Update.

Apple usually goes through several versions of beta builds before issuing a final version to the public, a process that typically takes weeks to months to complete.

The most recent stable versions of system software currently available are iOS 15.4.1 for iPhone, iPadOS 15.4.1 for iPad, macOS Monterey 12.3.1 for Mac, watchOS 8.5.1 for Apple Watch, and tvOS 15.4.1 for Apple TV.