Next-Level Testing: Apple Releases iOS 17.2 RC and macOS Sonoma 14.2 RC, Unveiling Exciting New Features for Beta Testers

The iOS 17.2 RC and macOS Sonoma 14.2 RC updates are now available for users on the public beta update channel, ushering in a range of new features and enhancements. Among the noteworthy additions is the introduction of the Journal app on iOS, designed to facilitate regular journaling of users’ experiences. This app, featured in previous beta versions, utilizes machine learning to prompt users to create journal entries. Ensuring security and privacy, these entries are encrypted, can be protected via Face ID or Touch ID, and securely sync through iCloud.

Additionally, the iOS 17.2 RC includes Contact Key Verification for iMessage, enhancing the security and verification processes within the messaging platform. Notably, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models will now gain support for Qi2 chargers, providing users with expanded charging compatibility.

However, it’s worth noting that collaborative playlists on Apple Music remain absent from the latest RC version, deferring the anticipated feature for users. Apple’s commitment to refining and expanding the user experience is evident in these updates, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of the iOS and macOS user base. As these release candidate versions make their way to beta testers, Apple continues its stride toward providing a seamless and feature-rich computing environment for iPhone and Mac users.

iOS 17.2 RC and macOS Sonoma 14.2 RC also bring new features to the Messages app. These include a new catch-up arrow in the top-right corner of the screen that allows users to quickly navigate to the first unread message, as well as he ability to add stickers to a message via a context menu. Apple will also let you customise your Memoji with additional physical attributes, while the Sensitive Content Warning feature will also protect you from nudity in stickers.

A new security feature coming to Messages called Contact Key Verification will help users remain aware that they are chatting with their intended recipients. Apple says it will provide Contact Verification Codes and automated alerts for users facing “extraordinary digital threats” — similar features are available on apps like Signal and WhatsApp.

Some hardware-related improvements are also coming to Apple’s devices. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series of smartphones gain support for Qi2 chargers, while bugs related to wireless charging in some vehicles have been ironed out, according to the company. iOS 17.2 also adds support for a “Default Alerts” setting under Settings > Sounds & Haptics that allows you to set a default notification tone for apps on your iPhone.

While Apple hasn’t revealed when it plans to roll out the stable versions of iOS 17.2 and macOS Sonoma 14.2 to users, these updates are expected to arrive later this month. The release candidate versions are essentially the same builds that are rolled out to customers, so users can expect to see the same features to be available on their devices when the updates arrive in the coming days or weeks.