News: Apple Releases iOS 14.3 Beta 2 for Developers & Public Beta Users, Includes Improved Home Screen Shortcuts

Apple pushed out the second beta for iOS 14.3 to developers and public beta testers, which includes a few quick fixes for issues in Apple ProRAW for iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max and HomeKit. It also gives home screen shortcuts a more seamless transition. It is not yet known if the update addresses missing SMS texts that have been plaguing users across carriers, including us.

Specifically, the fix for Apple ProRAW is geared toward developers, where it "no longer requires the AVFoundation Capture photo request to explicitly request a thumbnail." As for HomeKit, Apple states, "Changing the Require Authentication setting, under Personal Requests in the Home App, now works as expected."

As for the home screen shortcuts, Apple made it so that whenever you tap on a shortcut icon on your home screen, it opens up its connected app right away instead of making you see the Shortcuts app open first. While there is still a banner notification to tell you it worked, it's a most grateful addition for anyone who uses custom app icons on their home screen.

• More Info: iOS 14.3 Fixes the Most Annoying Part About Custom App Icons

Apple unexpectedly released the update just before 2:15 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, Nov. 17. We expected Apple to release iOS 14.3 dev beta 2 at 10 a.m. PDT, the company's standard release time for major software updates, followed by the iOS 14.3 public beta 2 later in the day or the following day. However, it's not uncommon for Apple to stray from its normal schedule. The update comes five days after the company seeded developers the first 14.3 beta, and four days after 14.3 public beta 1.

iOS & iPadOS 14.3 Beta 2 Release Notes
Update your apps to use new features, and test your apps against API changes.

Overview

The iOS & iPadOS 14.3 SDK provides support to develop apps for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices running iOS & iPadOS 14.3 beta 2. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 12.3 beta, available from Beta Software Downloads. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 12.3 beta, see Xcode 12.3 Beta Release Notes.

General - Known Issues

• Important: iPadOS 14.3 beta 2 does not currently support Shared iPad. Do not install iPadOS 14.3 beta 2 to devices running in Shared iPad mode. (71392759)

Apple ProRAW - Resolved

• Using Apple ProRAW no longer requires the AVFoundation Capture photo request to explicitly request a thumbnail. (71044302)

HomeKit - Resolved

• Changing the Require Authentication setting, under Personal Requests in the Home App, now works as expected. (71128465)

How to Download & Install the Latest iOS 14.3 Beta

To update your iPhone to iOS 14.3 dev beta 2, you'll need to be a registered developer. You can use the restore image for your iPhone available in the Developer portal (install with iTunes or Finder) or install the configuration profile, then update over the air. If you already have the profile installed on your iPhone, head over to Settings –> General –> Software Update to start installing the latest beta build, or you can wait until it installs automatically if "Automatic Updates" is enabled.

To update your iPhone to iOS 14.3 public beta 1, sign up through Apple's beta site, download and install the configuration profile, then update over the air. If you already have the profile, go to Settings –> General –> Software Update to begin the installation of the latest beta build, or you can wait until it installs automatically if "Automatic Updates" is enabled.