Apple released the third beta of iOS 12 for developers on Tuesday, July 3. The update comes exactly two weeks after the release of the second developer beta, which introduced a variety of fixes as well as new issues, and just one week after the release of the public beta.
Beta 3 appears to include many bug fixes and security patches, but most notably includes Apple's new Maps features. According to TechCrunch, the Google Maps competitor now uses data from Apple directly, rather than third-party companies. Users should expect to see better directions as well as more detailed maps, but only in San Francisco and the Bay Area to start out with, since that's where it's launching first. However, only time will tell if the features live up to Apple's expectations.
If you want to update your iPhone to the third beta of iOS 12, you need to be a registered developer with a valid configuration profile. If you have "Automatic Updates" enabled, you can wait for the software to update overnight. To download it right now, however, open the Settings app, select "General," then "Software Update." Then, tap "Download and Install," and follow the on-screen prompts. Public beta testers should get the update shortly.
Although still in the early stages of beta, iOS 12 has earned itself a positive reputation. While it may seem odd at first glance, users overlook the short list of new features as well as the long list of bugs, mostly because of its superiority in performance when compared to iOS 11.
In fact, Apple's previous effort was received poorly almost from the beginning. Users complained about the overhauled notification system but complained even louder once bugs began to wreak havoc. From auto-correct glitches to out of order iMessages, iOS 11 and bugs seemed to go hand-in-hand.
Stability isn't the only thing that's new in iOS 12, however. Although Apple placed a lot of focus on the overall iOS experience, users can expect to see new Animoji for iPhone X, notification grouping, a special weather widget for the lock screen, among at least 47 other new features. Make sure to check out our guide below to see everything new in iOS 12.