The fourth beta of Apple’s planned iOS 15.2 has been distributed to registered developers. This version includes a slew of new features and modifications targeted at improving user privacy and security.
Some of these features were teased during Apple’s iOS 15 unveiling at WWDC21. Within a month or two, the public will have access to the App Privacy Report, Communication Safety, a revised Notification Summary, and other features. Here’s a rundown of what’s new.
Beta 4
We haven’t yet discovered any new features in this build. If there are any changes, we will update the article. However, Apple emphasizes some of the vulnerabilities that have been fixed in beta 4.
Beta 3
Reminders
According to Apple’s release notes, you may now modify and delete tags in bulk in the Reminders app, rather than doing it individually. We haven’t been able to duplicate it, though.
Tweaks to the Items tab in Find My app
The Items tab in the Find My app was changed in Beta 2. However, for some reason, the third beta returns it to the pre-beta 2 state. “Identify Found Item” appears once more on the Items tab.
Macro mode settings have been tweaked.
Apple included a new “Auto Macro” toggle to the Settings app in iOS 15.1. According to MacRumors, the toggle has been renamed “Macro Control” in this current release. The following is a description of the toggle:
Show Camera Control to switch to the Ultra Wide lens automatically for macro images and movies.
Search playlists in Apple Music
According to MacRumors, the current beta also includes a search bar in Apple Music playlists. Swiping down in any list will expose it. This allows you to search the playlist for a specific song or artist.
When you play a song from the search results, only tracks that match the search word will be queued, not the whole playlist. As a result, this feature acts as a playlist filter.
Beta 2
Communication Safety feature
This beta adds Messages Communication Safety for minors, according to 9to5Mac. This function identifies nudity delivered to children’s devices, blurs it, and displays an instruction prompt.
This functionality was previously hinted at in iOS 15.2 beta 1, but it may now be enabled on a child’s device by a guardian. It’s important to note that the feature is turned off by default.
In the Mail app, hide my Email
This version also includes a shortcut to Hide My Email within the Mail app, according to reports. Previously, it could only be accessed through the iPhone Settings app’s iCloud settings.
iCloud+ subscribers can use this tool to establish random aliases that send emails to their primary iCloud address. For privacy or other reasons, users can avoid sharing the original one with websites and individuals.
Legacy Contacts in Apple ID settings
This version also allows users to add Legacy Contacts to their Apple IDs through iPhone Settings, according to Apple’s release notes. In the event that you die away, these people will have access to your information and will be able to download a copy.
Tweaks to the Items tab in Find My app
This iOS release also changes the Items tab in the Find My app, according to MacRumors. “Identify Found Item” has been renamed “Help Return Lost Item” by Apple. This is in addition to a “Items That Can Track Me” option, which allows users to search for nearby Find My-enabled devices, such as airbags, to see whether they’re being followed.
Store tab in the TV app
The Apple TV app now features a new Store tab, which has been uncovered. This area has sections for Movies and TV Shows, which allow users to buy or rent material from those categories.
Beta 1
According to MacRumors, iOS 15.2 developer beta 1 brings the following changes.
Privacy Report
Apple teased the App Privacy Report feature back in June. It lets users see what data, sensors, and servers the apps are accessing on an individual basis.
This modification provides complete transparency, making it far more difficult for malicious apps to contact specific servers or use device sensors without the users’ awareness.
Emergency SOS
iOS 15.2 includes an update to the Emergency SOS feature, which allows you to automatically dial your country’s emergency number.
You can now press the side button quickly or hold the side button and one of the volume buttons for a few seconds. The timer for the countdown has also been increased from three to eight seconds.
Notification Summary
In iOS 15.2, the Notification Summary, which was first introduced in iOS 15.0, has been updated. The summary is now shown in a card-style manner, making it easier to skim over the notification contents.
The Communication Safety function has a few hints.
With iOS 15.2, Apple will deploy a child safety feature that detects nudity on minors’ devices.
The tool checks images shared and received via the Messages app and alerts parents if any questionable information is found. The feature is mentioned in the first beta of iOS 15.2, although it isn’t available yet.
