Apple has rolled out the fifth developer beta versions of watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1, and visionOS 2.1, marking another step towards the final release of these operating system updates.
What's New
While specific details about new features or changes in these beta versions remain scarce, they likely include bug fixes and performance improvements. Apple typically uses these iterative beta releases to refine the software based on developer feedback.
For watchOS 11.1, there's anticipation surrounding the potential inclusion of sleep apnea detection, a feature that received FDA approval recently. tvOS 18.1 may introduce compatibility with robot vacuum cleaners in the Home app, new screen savers, and 21:9 aspect ratio support for projectors. visionOS 2.1 could bring enhancements to the Mac Virtual Display feature, offering a higher resolution equivalent to two 4K monitors side-by-side.
Beta Release Details
The latest beta builds are as follows:
- watchOS 11.1: Build 22R5575a
- tvOS 18.1: Build 22J5573a
- visionOS 2.1: Build 22N5573a
These releases come approximately one week after the fourth beta versions were made available to developers.
How to Install
Developers can access these betas through their respective update channels:
- watchOS 11.1: Apple Watch app > General > Software Update
- tvOS 18.1: Apple TV Settings app
- visionOS 2.1: Vision Pro Settings app > Software Update > Beta Updates
Caution for Testers
As with all beta software, Apple advises against installing these test versions on primary devices. Developers should use secondary devices for testing to avoid potential data loss or system instability.
Broader Context
These updates are part of Apple's broader software update cycle, which includes iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. The latter group is notable for introducing Apple Intelligence, the company's new AI platform.
While Apple Intelligence is not yet integrated into watchOS, tvOS, or visionOS, its potential future inclusion could significantly enhance these platforms' capabilities.
As Apple continues to refine these operating systems, users can look forward to improved functionality and new features in the coming weeks. The final public releases are expected to roll out in the near future, bringing these enhancements to Apple device users worldwide.