Apple Releases First Release Candidates for iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and More

Apple has officially rolled out the first release candidates (RC) for its latest round of developer betas, including iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, tvOS 18.3, visionOS 2.3, and watchOS 11.3. These updates mark the next step toward the final public versions of Apple’s operating systems. Here’s everything you need to know about these new builds.

A Short Developer Beta Cycle

The release candidates arrive after a relatively short beta testing cycle. The first RC builds follow the third round of developer betas, which were made available on January 14 and 15. Earlier rounds of beta testing began with the initial release on December 16, followed by the second round on January 7.

The new RC builds include:

• iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3: Build number 22D60 (previously 22D5055b)
• macOS Sequoia 15.3: Build number 24D60 (previously 24D5055b)
• visionOS 2.3: Build number 22N896
• watchOS 11.3: Build number 22S553
• tvOS 18.3: Build number 22K557

Updates for Older Operating Systems

Apple has also issued RC updates for some older operating systems, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to maintaining compatibility and security for users on legacy devices. These include:

• iPadOS 17.7.4: Build number 21H414
• macOS 14.7.3: Build number 23H417

These updates typically focus on security patches and compatibility improvements.

What’s New in iOS 18.3?

While the iOS 18.3 update doesn’t introduce groundbreaking new features, there are a few noteworthy refinements:

• “Invites” Application: References to an unreleased app called “Invites” were spotted in the second beta. This app is believed to help users schedule meetings and send invitations.
• Bug Fixes: The RC version resolves an issue with Genmoji, where personalized images wouldn’t generate unless a different person was selected first. Another fix addresses the Writing Tools API used by third-party apps.

Safety First: Beta Testing Precautions

AppleInsider and Apple strongly recommend against installing beta or RC software on primary devices or mission-critical hardware. These pre-release builds can contain bugs or issues that could lead to data loss or other problems. Testers should use secondary devices and ensure their important data is backed up before installing these updates.

Final Notes

As Apple moves closer to the official public release of iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and other updates, these release candidates provide developers with a nearly finalized version of the software to test. Users can expect the final versions to roll out in the coming weeks, pending any last-minute adjustments.

via AppleInsider.