Apple iOS 10.2 Release Imminent After Beta 5 Rolls Out To Devs, Public Beta Testers

Apple is constantly working to improve and update its mobile operating system for its iPhones and iPads. The Cupertino giant is currently working on its iOS 10.2 update that comes with a ton of new emojis. If the release of the betas are to be considered, it seems that the next major update is set to arrive soon.

On Friday, Apple launched the fifth pre-release beta of the iOS 10.2 just over a month after iOS 10.1 was seeded to the general consumers and exactly four days after the fourth beta was released to public beta testers. Ever since beta testing for the next major update, it was already revealed that new Unicode 9 emojis are coming to iOS-running devices. Aside from the more than 70 new emojis, the existing ones were also reimagined to make them appear more realistic.

According to MacRumors, Apple is also including a new wallpaper in iOS 10.2. There’s also mention of brand new Music sorting options and buttons. The list of screen effects will also see the addition of “Celebrate” and “Send with Love” effects. Furthermore, the TV app that was introduced alongside the launch of the new MacBook Pros is also arriving to mobile Apple devices with this update.

Considering that iOS 10 is already regarded as Apple’s “biggest release ever,” it isn’t surprising that the 10.2 update does not come with big changes. After all, iOS 10 came with an overhauled Messages app, redesigned Apple Music and Maps apps, a revamped lock screen, new recognition capabilities for the Photos app and a whole lot more.

Developers who are enrolled in the Apple Developer Program can download iOS 10.2 beta 5 from the official developer portal, according to AppleInsider. On the other hand, public beta testers who are part of the Apple Beta Software Program can obtain the said pre-release beta version through the Software Update feature on their devices that are running beta 4.

Apple has already confirmed that the new iOS 10 update is set for release this December. With the release of the fifth beta version, it’s just become apparent that iOS 10.2 could be arriving in the coming weeks.