By Malcolm Owen
Tuesday, March 03, 2020, 10:05 a.m. Pacific time (1:05 p.m. ET)
Apple is now in its fourth series of beta releases, offering participants in its public beta and development programs new versions of iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, tvOS 13.4 and macOS 10.15.4.
The versions of each operating system can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center by those participating in the test program, as well as the possibility of performing a live software update for devices already enrolled in the program. The public beta versions of each beta developer were released just over an hour later and are available on the Apple Beta software program website.
This is the developer’s fourth set of beta releases in the current cycle, the third being released on February 26, the second on February 19, and the first on February 5.
At the time of publication, a fourth beta version of watchOS 6.2 was not available for download.
For earlier versions of iOS and iPadOS 13.4, Apple has introduced a number of changes, including the return of iCloud folder sharing, options for developers to sell macOS and iOS apps in one purchase, stickers Additional Memoji, an updated messaging toolbar, Photos keyboard shortcuts, changes family sharing in the TV app, new CarPlay controls, and an updated location permission prompt. Elements were also found in iOS referring to a CarKey API, suggesting that the iPhone or Apple Watch can be used as an NFC key to lock, unlock or start a car.
References to a new Apple TV 4K device have been made in tvOS 13.4, including a new model number. In the second beta version of macOS 10.15.4, Apple added time-synchronized lyrics to Apple Music, a feature that had previously appeared in the iOS version of the app.
Both AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggests that users avoid installing beta versions on “critical” or primary devices, due to the risk of data loss or other problems. Instead, the recommendation is to install beta on secondary or non-essential devices, and make sure there are enough important data backups before making major changes.
Update:Just over an hour after the developer released beta versions, Apple released the public beta versions.
Are you finding changes in the new betas? Contact us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSUor send Andrew an email to [email protected].