Second iOS 10.3 Public Beta Released By Apple With Updates As Find My AirPods, Apple File System, & More

Feb 09, 2017 04:00 AM EST | Andrew Davis

The second iOS 10.3 public beta has recently been rolled out by Apple, relatively two weeks after releasing the first 10.3 public beta and a day after seeing the beta to developers. For testing purposes, this second beta version will be available for all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices and it features "Find My AirPods" and the use of Apple File System. 

Since this is the Cupertino-based tech giant's public beta program, it is free to anyone willing to participate in the testing of the update. Apple's developer program, however, is a paid version in order to participate. 

But be warned that since this is a beta, this will be unstable and could potentially include bugs. Apple recommends that participants of the iOS 10.3 public beta program should first make an iCloud backup prior to installing. The update will cause the device's file system to switch to the Apple File System, reports MacRumors.

Among the notable tweaks in the iOS 10.3 public beta include Safari supporting Reduced Motion preference in web apps, new prominent user security section in the Settings app and the Podcasts app now has a widget that is similar to the Music app with the same app design, according to 9To5Mac. Further, for those who can't find their lost AirPod, "Find My AirPods" is probably one of the most notable updates in the iOS 10.3.

This is located in the "Find My Friends" app and keeps track of the last known location of the, "assuming," lost AirPod, specifically where it was last connected. It will make the AirPods produce a sound in order for them to be located at a nearby distance. This is quite handy considering that the AirPods are obviously wireless.

Another major update included a shift to the use of the Apple File System, which was first introduced back in 2016. This feature is optimized for Flash or SSD storage. This also included a strong encryption along with other important features.

Plus, Apple CarPlay has quick access to last three used apps for quick switching without accessing the Home screen. Also, it gains quick access to albums from songs in Music and a new Up Next screen. A 3D Touch forecast is added in the Weather data in Maps.

For those who are willing to sign up and be part of the second iOS 10.3 public beta program, simply sign up via Apple's beta testing website. This will give participants access not only to the iOS beta but also to the MacOS Sierra beta. iOS 10.3 will likely be released by spring 2017.

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