Beta

You probably shouldn’t update to watchOS 2 unless you’re genuinely a developer

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 11, 2025

Every time a beta is released, we always provide tutorials for those of you who may be developers, but to be honest, we know that even some of you non-developers with paid access to developer accounts will upgrade to the betas as well. Of course, that's your own decision.

But with watchOS, things are different. You really shouldn't upgrade to watchOS 2 unless you truly are a developer, or at the very least, you should thoroughly understand what you're getting in to. Why is this? We explain in this post.

How Low Power Mode works in iOS 9

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

One of the more significant new features in iOS 9 Apple mentioned during its keynote today is called "Low Power Mode." Similar to Power Reserve on the Apple Watch, this feature is designed to extend the battery life of your device.

First it should be noted that because of the under-the-hood improvements in iOS 9, Apple says battery life for the average user will increase by up to one hour. If you need more, Lower Power Mode gives you up to 3 additional hours.

OS X El Capitan and iOS 9 developer betas now available for download

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple has just seeded the first beta versions of OS X El Capitan and iOS 9. Registered iOS and Mac developers can log into Developer Center to access the betas, as well as release notes and other info. Apple says iOS 9 will be compatible with the same devices as iOS 8, so devices with A5 chips and newer should work.

watchOS 2 beta available to developers today, public launch this fall

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple just got done offering up a preview of the next major version of watchOS, and it has a ton of new features. Native third-party apps, support for third-party complications, new Watch Face customization options, HomeKit support and audio playback support, to name a few.

Saying that this is a major improvement over current Apple Watch software would be an understatement. So the question on everyone's mind now is: when is it going to be available? Apple says that a beta will be available to developers today, and it'll be released to the public this fall.

We are really looking forward to checking out watchOS 2.

Apple seeds OS X 10.10.4 beta 4 to developers, public testers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple on Tuesday seeded the fourth beta of the upcoming OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 software to both developers and public testers. The update, labeled build 14E26a, is available through the Update tab in the Mac App Store, and the Dev Center for all registered Mac developers.

OS X 10.10.4 has been in testing since mid-April, and we have yet to see it bring about any significant user-facing changes or new features. It appears that the release will be more of a maintenance update, as Apple attempts to iron out remaining bugs and other known issues.

Apple seeds iOS 8.4 beta 3 to developers, beta 2 to public testers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple seeded iOS 8.4 beta 3 to developers this morning. The build number is 12H4098c, and it can be downloaded over-the-air by folks running beta 2, or via Apple's developer portal. Additionally, Apple has released iOS 8.4 beta 2 to testers part in the public beta program.

The release comes two weeks after iOS 8.4 beta 2 posted, and roughly a month after the original. The timing is also interesting because Apple's World Wide Developer Conference, where it is expected to introduce the next major version of iOS (iOS 9) is just 3 weeks away.

OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 beta 3 now available to public beta testers and developers

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 11, 2016

In addition to seeding iOS 8.4 beta 3 to its registered developers, Apple this morning also released OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 beta 3 to public beta testers and developers. The pre-release software carries a build number of 14E17e and should be released ahead of WWDC in June, alongside iOS 8.4 which includes an all-new Music app and other new features.

According to release notes, Apple is asking public beta testers and developers to focus on any issues with the stock Photos app, Migration Assistant as well as Arabic and Hebrew localization.

Apple posts iOS 8.4 beta 2 with new Trending Searches feature on iTunes Radio

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 27, 2015

Apple on Monday seeded iOS 8.4 beta 2, which includes a redesigned Music app experience from the previous beta, to its registered iPhone, iPod touch and iPad developers.

The software carries a build number of 12H4086d and can be applied over-the-air through the Software Update mechanism available in Settings > General, for those who are running the first beta. A standalone installer is available through Apple's portal for developers.

Release notes accompanying the download mention claim “this beta version of iOS contains bug fixes and improvements”. At least one new feature was spotted in this release: trending searches. Now when you're searching for a song on iTunes Radio via the Music app in iOS 8.4 beta 2, it will automatically suggest a list of trending searches.

Have a look at the iOS 8.4 jailbreak you’ll never enjoy

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Well-known hacker Stefan Esser, also known as i0n1c, has posted a new proof of concept video showing an iOS 8.4 beta 1 jailbreak running on an iPhone 6. In the video, which shows Cydia prominently showcased on the Home screen, he shows off the Apple Watch companion app, and the newly redesigned Music app to prove he's on iOS 8.4 beta 1.

i0n1c is a talented hacker, and based on his past body of work, we have no doubt that this demonstration is real. Just don't expect a public jailbreak for iOS 8.4 or any other firmware to come from i0n1c. This is for his personal work, and he's very proud of his work, hence he is showing it off in this dazzling new video.

Apple seeds OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 beta 1 to developers

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 16, 2015

Thursday, Apple seeded the first beta of the upcoming OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 software update to its Mac developers, as first reported by MacRumors. Registered Mac developers can grab the installer manually through Apple's portal for developers, or automatically, using the OS X Software Update Seed Configuration Utility.

We'll be reporting on any interesting new features, changes and enhancements in OS X Yosemite 10.10.4 beta 1 as we encounter them.

iOS 8.4 Music app video walkthrough

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

If you've yet to go hands-on with the just-released iOS 8.4 and the redesigned Music app, then I recommend checking out our video walkthrough. In this video, we step through many of the new changes, from both a visual and functionality standpoint.

Apple seeds first iOS 8.4 beta to developers with all-new Music app

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 8.4 to developers on Monday, less than a week after releasing iOS 8.3 to the public. Today's beta includes an all-new stock Music application, which Apple says will make exploring your music collection "easier and more fun."

The app features a beautiful, more-simplified design, with quick access to things like recently-added music and your custom playlists. It also offers a more streamlined iTunes Radio experience, a new Global Search option, Up Next queuing and much more.