Apple has released the second iOS 12.2 public beta for iPhone and iPad. Members of Apple’s Beta Software Program can download the previews now and register devices now. If you have already installed iOS 12.2 public beta 1, then you can simply update using your iPhone in the normal manner.
The update resolves an issue that prevented prepaid data plan purchases while using cellular data and iCloud photos shared using Sharing Suggestions now load correctly.
HealthKit brings high and low heart rate notifications and irregular heart rhythm notifications are now available as read-only category sample types.
The battery percentage level may remain on the lock screen after removing the device from a charger. This is a bug and should be resolved by powering the device off, then back on again.
Siri now works in iOS simulators and on AT&T devices, it shows a fake “5G E” icon.
Finally, there are four brand new Animoji to choose from, adding a giraffe, shark, owl, and warthog.
How to sign up for a developer account or public beta membership
If you’re interested in becoming an Apple developer, you can visit developer.apple.com and join Apple’s Developer program. To get access to app distribution and developer betas, you’ll need to enroll in the company’s $99 year developer membership.
Developers tend to get beta software first, but that software can be unstable and bug-prone. If you only want a peek at Apple’s new software, but don’t want to take the risk of bricking your device on a developer seed, the company offers the public beta program for users.
Unlike Apple’s developer program, the Beta Software Program is free, and should offer more stable code than some developer seeds. Before you dive in though, you should note that this is an incomplete version of the operating system, with all the bugs and glitches that includes.
Users should nevertheless be cautious about installing beta code on a primary device, since it can still potentially cause issues like crashes, battery drain, or slow performance. You can sign up for the public beta by clicking the Sign Up link.
The iOS 12.2 beta can be downloaded as an over-the-air update. If and when you encounter issues, you should use the Feedback Assistant app that Apple includes with the beta releases of its software.
