Release Candidate (RC) versions of iOS 16.2 (build 20C65), iPadOS 16.2 (ditto), macOS Ventura 13.1 ( 22C65), watchOS 9.2 ( 20S361) and tvOS 16.2 ( 20K362) were made available today for developers.
Apple also released the fifth RC version of macOS Monterey 12.6.2 ( 21G320), the third of macOS Big Sur 11.7.2 ( 20G1020), and the first of iOS 15.7.2 and iPadOS 15.7.2 (both in build 19H218), as well as from Xcode 14.2 ( 14C18).
As we reported, the new systems will bring the Freeform collaborative creation app , while iPadOS 16.2 will come with Visual Organizer support ( Stage Manager ) for external monitors on iPads with M1 and M2 chips ; iOS 16.2 will have more tweaks to the Always Active Screen of iPhones 14 Pro [Max] .
These new builds already include the newly announced Apple Music Sing on compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, as well as the third-generation Apple TV 4K. The feature, as we reported, brings the karaoke experience to Apple’s music streaming service.
A feature related to AirDrop that Apple recently brought to China is coming to everyone, too, with iOS 16.2: starting with this update, AirDrop automatically returns to the “Contacts Only” option after ten minutes of being set to “All”.
Additionally, Apple today announced that it will offer end-to-end encryption on iCloud backups for the first time, in addition to other parts of the service. iMessage and Apple ID will also gain new security features in 2023 .
Confirming the expectations of a few weeks ago, it is very likely that all systems will be released to the general public next week.
We will, of course, keep track of any other possible new features of these versions. Very soon, too, these new builds should be released to members of the Apple Beta Software Program .