Apple has released its first version of iOS 10.3 beta software to the public. The beta software was released for developers Tuesday, and now any iOS user can download and install the update.
Apple has included a Find My AirPods feature within iOS 10.3, which will help users track down misplaced earbuds. Users can access the feature in the Find My Phone application; however, the app’s detection radius is only about five to 10 meters, due to the AirPods Bluetooth connectivity. Users will have to be in the general range of lost AirPods in order to find them.
The Find My AirPods feature will also allow used to set an alert sound, which will ring from misplaced earbuds to help users find them.
Other iOS 10.3 beta 1 features include the new Apple File System (APFS), a widget for the podcast app, the “Theater Mode” or Control Center toggle removed, and 3D Touch functionality for Weather data in Maps app, among others. Reports indicate the iOS 10.3 official release may coincide with the launch of new iPads in the second quarter.
Users can download the 10.3 beta 1 software from Apple’s public beta website and follow intructions to install. Devices compatible with iOS 10.3 beta 1 include the following:
iPad 4th gen
iPad Air
iPad Air 2
iPad Pro
iPad mini 2
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 4
iPod touch 6th gen
iPhone 5
iPhone 5c
iPhone 5s
iPhone SE
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
