The third developer beta for iOS 13 has been out since July 3, and while devs have had fun exploring all the new features, those of us on the public beta have sat on the sidelines running the public version of dev beta 2. But we don't need to wait any longer, as Apple just released iOS 13 public beta 2 and all the goodies that come with it. Show
This release was quite the surprise, coming at 4 p.m. EST (1 p.m. PST) on July 8. While we beta testers have certainly waited long enough after the release of dev beta 3, Apple missed its usual 1 p.m. EST time for release. It does release public betas at 4 p.m. EST, but many times after a 1 p.m. release of a developer beta. It's important to note public beta 2 supports iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. These iPhones were excluded without reason for dev beta 3. However, Apple has also released dev beta 3 at the same time as the public beta 2 for any developers running the beta on their iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
Feature 1: FaceTime Attention CorrectionFaceTime Attention Correction is a neat little rhyme that just so happens to be a handy little feature as well. The setting fixes an issue with video calls in general, where you want to look at the screen while talking to your friend, but in doing so, neither one of you will make eye contact with the other. This iOS 13 feature uses AR to make it look like you're looking right into the camera, even while you're looking at your friend on-screen. The result? Eye contact, for a more natural conversation, even if the mechanisms behind it are anything but. Feature 2: 'Arcade' Gets an Enhanced Preview in the App StoreWhile the first two iOS 13 betas included "Arcade" as a tab in the App Store, all you saw upon tapping was a generic "Coming Soon" screen. With dev beta 3, Apple included a video preview, additional Arcade information, and links to sign up for a notification when Arcade is ready for release. Feature 3: Scan NFC Tags to Control HomeKit DevicesIf you're a HomeKit user, you might love this new iOS 13 feature. The latest update allows you to scan NFC tags in conjunction with HomeKit devices. Check out Guilherme Rambo's example below, where he turns on a HomeKit light just by scanning the NFC tag on a desk. Controlling HomeKit devices by scanning an NFC tag on iOS 13 b3 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/Hw3nnc7vUh Feature 4: Expanded Apps View in ShortcutsThe Shortcuts app now displays all supported apps available in "Apps," rather than just App Store-related and "Open App" actions. To see the possible actions for any given app, tap it. Beta 2 (left) vs. Beta 3 (right). Feature 5: New Description for Headphone Audio LevelsApple made slight tweaks to the "Measure Levels" and "Include Other Headphones" options in Settings –> Privacy –> Health –> Headphone Audio Levels. These options now list headphones that you've connected to. Beta 2 (left) vs. Beta 3 (right). Feature 6: The Archive Button in Mail Is Now PurpleApple has changed the red Archive button in Mail to purple. There's no given reason, but it's an interesting change at the very least. Feature 7: New White Background When Playing Audio Files in 'Files' AppYou'll now see a white backdrop when playing MP3 or other audio file types in the Files app. Previous iterations of iOS would show a gray background with the QuickTime logo in the middle. Beta 2 (left) vs. Beta 3 (right). Feature 8: New Opacity Tool Icon in MarkupThe "Opacity" tool — new-ish in its own right in previous betas— now has an icon in Markup. Previously, the space where an icon would go was merely blank, and now it isn't. Beta 2 (left) vs. Beta 3 (right). Feature 9: Updated Color Picker Icon in MarkupAlso new in Markup is a refreshed color picker icon. Before, you would see a white ring between the black center and the color wheel. Now, that white ring is gone, leaving the center flushed with a color wheel. Beta 2 (left) vs. Beta 3 (right). Feature 10: Options for Mouse Cursor Size & VisibilityIf having the option to use a mouse in iOS 13 doesn't make your iPhone feel more like a computer, you now have to choose from. You can also choose to turn off auto-hiding or choose an amount of time before auto-hiding kicks in.
Beta 2 (left) vs. Beta 3 (right). Other New Features in Beta 2
How to Install iOS 13 Public Beta 2To update your iPhone to iOS 13 public beta 2, you'll need to be an iOS beta tester. You can sign up through Apple's beta site, , then update over the air. If you already have the profile installed, go to Settings –> General –> Software Update to begin the installation of the latest beta build, or you can wait until it installs automatically if "Automatic Updates" is enabled. Overview Keep Your Connection Secure Without a Monthly Bill. Get a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for all your devices with a one-time purchase from the new Gadget Hacks Shop, and watch Hulu or Netflix without regional restrictions, increase security when browsing on public networks, and more. |