Apple rolls out latest beta updates across all platforms

Apple has released the fifth beta version of tvOS 18, continuing its regular testing cycle as the official release nears. This update introduces a number of new features, especially for Apple TV+ users. One of the most notable features is InSight, a real-time information display that shows details about actors, characters, and music during Apple TV+ content playback, much like Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray feature.

Another enhancement is the improved Enhance Dialogue feature, which now offers better vocal clarity over background noise on various devices, including TV speakers, AirPods, and HDMI-connected devices. Additionally, automatic subtitles are now smarter, appearing at key moments such as when language differs from the device setting or when users mute or rewind content.

For users who connect their Apple TV 4K to a projector, tvOS 18 beta 5 adds support for 21:9 aspect ratio, allowing for a more cinematic viewing experience. Other updates include a redesigned interface for Apple Fitness+ and the addition of FaceTime with Continuity Camera, which now supports Live Captions in English for US and Canadian users.

In parallel, Apple is also rolling out beta versions of its other operating systems, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2. macOS Sequoia beta 5 introduces significant updates, such as iPhone Mirroring in Safari, allowing users to interact with their iPhone directly from their Mac, along with enhancements in web navigation and media viewing through new Safari features like Highlights, Reader, and Video detection. Additionally, a new Passwords app centralizes user credentials, and Messages, Maps, Photos, Notes, and Calendar apps all receive updates aimed at improving user experience and functionality.

Similarly, visionOS 2 beta 5 brings features like spatial photos, Mac Virtual Display, and Home View customization to Apple Vision Pro users, enhancing the device’s versatility and user interface. New gestures make navigation easier, and Travel mode adds convenience for users on the go. The update also introduces a Guest User mode and supports multiview in the Apple TV app for sports viewing.

Finally, watchOS 11 beta 5 includes customizable Activity Rings, a new Vitals app for health tracking, and the Training Load feature to help users monitor their workout intensity over time. This beta version focuses on personalization and health insights, continuing Apple’s trend of enhancing user control and awareness.

1. tvOS 18 Beta 5 Features:

• InSight: Real-time display of information about actors, characters, and music in Apple TV+ content, similar to Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray feature.
• Enhance Dialogue: Improved vocal clarity using machine learning, now available on various devices like TV speakers, AirPods, and HDMI-connected devices.
• Automatic Subtitles: Smarter subtitles that appear at key moments, such as when the language differs from the device setting or during muting and rewinding.
• 21:9 Support: For users connecting Apple TV 4K to projectors, allowing a more cinematic viewing experience.
• Apple Fitness+ Interface Redesign: Updated interface for better navigation and exploration of exercises.
• FaceTime with Continuity Camera: Now includes Live Captions for English users in the US and Canada.

2. Other OS Beta Updates:

• macOS Sequoia Beta 5:
  • iPhone Mirroring in Safari: Allows interaction with the iPhone from the Mac, including full access to iPhone apps and Home Screen.
  • Safari Enhancements: New features like Highlights, Reader, and Video detection to improve web browsing and media interaction.
  • Passwords App: Centralizes access to passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes.
  • Updated Apps: Messages, Maps, Photos, Notes, and Calendar receive various improvements for better user experience.
• visionOS 2 Beta 5:
  • Spatial Photos and Mac Virtual Display: Enhanced features for viewing photos and using Mac displays on Vision Pro.
  • Home View Customization: Allows users to rearrange apps on the Home View, including iPhone and iPad apps.
  • New Gestures: Improved navigation with new hand gestures, including a Travel mode for on-the-go app use.
  • Multiview Support in Apple TV App: Allows up to five simultaneous streams for sports viewing.
• watchOS 11 Beta 5:
• Customizable Activity Rings: Rings can now account for planned rest days or different workout goals by day.
• Vitals App: New app focused on tracking key health metrics and providing insights.
• Training Load: Monitors the intensity and duration of workouts over time to help users understand their physical strain.

These updates reflect Apple's commitment to enhancing user experience across its devices, with significant improvements in usability, customization, and integration among its ecosystem. The official releases for these updates are expected later this fall.