iOS 10.3 Beta 3 Release Date: What Will The Update Include?

Tuesday brought the release of the third public beta of iOS 10.3, the upcoming major update to Apple’s mobile operating system, which introduced a number of new features for iPhone and iPad users.

Find My AirPods

The biggest feature to debut in the latest public beta is Find My AirPods —a feature that is sure to be welcome for early adopters of Apple’s wireless earbuds. Much like Find My iPhone, the feature will illustrate the last place a user’s AirPods were active and connected to an iOS device. Users will also be able to remotely prompt the earbuds to play a noise so they can be found more easily.

The feature will be located in the Find My Friends app.

Apple ID Controls

Apple is revamping its user ID controls, giving users access to their most important information in a single menu. Users will be able to quickly access their contact information, security settings, payment information, iCloud settings, App Store settings, Family Sharing settings and more. This will all be accessible in the new profile section at the top of the Settings app.

Apple File System

The iOS 10.3 beta also brings a revamp that most users won’t realize, but will be an unseen convenience. Apple is switching its storage system over to the Apple File System, a universal file system the company began implementing in 2016. It is optimized for flash and SSD storage and offers strong encryption tools to protect files.

Visual Tweaks

Looking at iOS 10.3, users will notice some visual flairs they haven’t seen before. App animations have been tweaked to appear more rounded. Apple has included a new visualization for iCloud storage space, conversation view on Mail has been improved, the Podcasts app looks more like the Music app and CarPlay will now show most recently used apps, among other little changes eagle-eyed users will be sure to spot.

HomeKit and SiriKit Compatibility

In an effort to expand the amount of other devices and services iPhones and iPads can interact with, Apple has added new features to HomeKit, it’s connected home hub, and Siri, its voice-powered assistant. HomeKit now supports programmable light switches, and Siri will now be able to schedule rides with ride hailing services like Lyft and Uber.

How to Get iOS 10.3

To make use of all the new feature of the iOS 10.3 beta, you’ll have to become a beta tester. Sign up for Apple’s beta testing program and once approved, you’ll be eligible to partake in future updates. Beta versions of the operating systems are made available via over-the-air updates once beta testers have the proper certificate installed on their iOS device.

Devices That Will Run iOS 10.3

If all those new features have you anxious to update, you’ll want to make sure your device will be capable of making the jump. Here are the iOS devices that will be compatible with iOS 10.3.