Apple posts new developer betas of iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4, watchOS 3.2

Apple has released new developer betas of iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4, and watchOS 3.2. Developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the App Store.

iOS 10.3 updates the file structure on an iOS device to the Apple File System (APFS). AFPS is optimized for Flash/SSD storage and features “strong encryption, copy-on-write metadata, space sharing, cloning for files and directories, snapshots, fast directory sizing, atomic safe-save primitives, and improved file system fundamentals.”

The beta also includes a new “Find My AirPods” ability, additions to Siri, CarPlay improvements, and some changes to Maps. What’s more, Apple says that by the time iOS 10.3 is available to customers, developers will be able to respond to customer reviews on the Apple App Store.

macOS Sierra 10.12.4 brings iOS’s Night Shift mode to the Mac, allowing users to cut down on blue light exposure. It also includes Shanghainese dictation support, cricket scores for Siri, and PDFKit improvements.

The watchOS 3.2 beta adds Theater Mode and SiriKit. The former lets Apple Watch owners disable the “rise to wake” function on the watch, but still notify them with haptic feedback of notifications without illuminating the watch display. 

SiriKit enables apps to work with Siri, Apple’s “personal digital assistant,” so users can get things done with content and services using just their voice. In addition to extending Siri’s support for messaging, photo search and phone calls to more apps, SiriKit also adds support for new services, including ride booking and personal payments.