Top Stories: iOS 15.5 Released, Apple's AR/VR Headset Progress, USB-C AirPods?

[MacRumors]

We're just about two weeks out from WWDC, and Apple is wrapping up work on the current major operating system versions with some final updates and getting ready to preview the next major ones.

Meanwhile, rumors are circulating about Apple shifting to USB-C for not only future iPhone models but also its ecosystem of accessories that currently relies on Lightning, while Apple's AR/VR headset and more appear to be getting closer to launching, so read on for details on these stories and more!

Apple Releases iOS 15.5 With Wallet and Podcast Updates

Following nearly six weeks of beta testing, Apple this week publicly released iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, macOS Monterey 12.4, watchOS 8.6, tvOS 15.5, and HomePod software version 15.5. Apple also released a software update for the Studio Display with webcam improvements.

We've put together a list of everything new in iOS 15.5, including updates to Apple's Wallet and Podcasts app, Communication Safety in the Messages app expanding to more countries, and more.

Apple has already started preparing its next wave of software updates, with the first betas of iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5, watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6, and HomePod software version 15.6 now available. These updates will likely include bug fixes and minor changes.

First Public Beta of iOS 16 Expected in July, Will Coincide With Third Developer Beta

The first public beta of iOS 16 is currently scheduled to be released alongside the third developer beta of iOS 16, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

With past releases, including iOS 15, the first public beta corresponded with the second developer beta, but Gurman suggested that Apple may be running behind schedule with the iOS 16 public beta this year. As always, Apple's plans are still fluid and subject to change.

Apple Previews iOS 16 Accessibility Features Like Apple Watch Mirroring

Apple this week previewed new accessibility features that will be available later this year with software updates across the company's platforms. This very likely refers to iOS 16, macOS 13, and other updates that are expected to be announced at WWDC next month.

The new accessibility features include Door Detection, Apple Watch Mirroring, new VoiceOver languages, Live Captions on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and more.

AirPods, MagSafe Battery Pack, and Other Apple Accessories Also Rumored to Switch to USB-C

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this week claimed that Apple accessories like AirPods, the MagSafe Battery Pack, and the Magic Keyboard/Mouse/Trackpad trio would switch to USB-C in the "foreseeable future."

Kuo shared this prediction days after claiming that Apple planned to release at least one iPhone 15 model with a USB-C port instead of Lightning in 2023, which is something that EU regulators have been pushing for.

Apple's Headset Nearing Completion as Board Gets Demo

Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset appears to be in the final stages of development, as Gurman this week reported that Apple's board of directors recently received a demo of the device.

Apple has also ramped up development of the software that runs on the headset, with the platform expected to be called "realityOS," or "rOS" for short, per Gurman's report. The headset is expected to be released in 2023.

We're also hearing rumors about a new HomePod and a higher-end version of the Apple Studio Display.

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Article Link: Top Stories: iOS 15.5 Released, Apple's AR/VR Headset Progress, USB-C AirPods?

 

[tgwaste]

I used to get excited about the next iOS but now it just gets worse and worse with each passing year.

 

[hagjohn]

I used to get excited about the next iOS but now it just gets worse and worse with each passing year.

I think Apple needs to work on efficiencies and bug killing in all the OS's, then adding new things.

 

[switz]

Apple has to "improve" technology each year as the competitors certainly do so.

What most folks forget is that the current model was planned several years prior on the Apple road map along with the operating system.

Planned obsolescence anyone?

 

[dmylrea]

Apple has to "improve" technology each year as the competitors certainly do so.

What most folks forget is that the current model was planned several years prior on the Apple road map along with the operating system.

Planned obsolescence anyone?

Isn't that true for most complex technology? Does Samsung take just as long as Apple or do they have faster development and are able to miraculously include a USB-C port years ahead of Apple? It's almost embarrassing that Apple still does not have a USB-C port on a phone and won't for another 1-2 years.

 

[dampfnudel]

I used to get excited about the next iOS but now it just gets worse and worse with each passing year.

I wouldn’t say it’s getting worse, but each major iOS update doesn’t feel that major anymore. I guess that’s what you get with a very mature platform. I wouldn’t be surprised if the 6s gets iOS 16 because there’s probably nothing new in iOS 16 that the A9 can’t handle. Maybe with iOS 17, 3GB of RAM becomes the new minimum requirement.

 

[TomaxXamot]

Please, please switch to USB C 🤞🏻
I want syncing my phone to be way faster.

 

[Realityck]

With past releases, including iOS 15, the first public beta corresponded with the second developer beta, but Gurman suggested that Apple may be running behind schedule with the iOS 16 public beta this year. As always, Apple's plans are still fluid and subject to change.

Last year iOS 15 beta 2 came out June 24 for devs and June 30th for Public Beta testers after the June 7th WWDC of first betas to devs. This may be running behind and the situation is fluid sounds like a fictional statement. Probably assuming because of all the EPIC vs Apple aftermath and the EU demands that Apple is hesitant on their goals. The third beta of iOS went to devs on July 14th, and to PB testers July 16th. So all that is involved here is 2 weeks really.

But MacOS 13 isn't hostage to anything that people are debating with iOS 16, so would there really be a delay like Mark suggests, probably not as the Epic vs Apple dates from August 2020. Seriously anyone here think that 21 months later Apple doesn't have their iOS plans not proceeding on time?

 

[iSayuSay]

Yep, a new AirPods Pro with USB-C should be a good way on tapering off the Lightning. Getting consumers ready with the transition, prepare all the necessary accessories, and finally get it on the iPhone.

 

[BC2009]

Isn't that true for most complex technology? Does Samsung take just as long as Apple or do they have faster development and are able to miraculously include a USB-C port years ahead of Apple? It's almost embarrassing that Apple still does not have a USB-C port on a phone and won't for another 1-2 years.

That is by choice. You can thank Apple for USB-C. The consortium trying to standardize USB-C was taking too long so Apple had to create proprietary lightning connectors to move things along and then donate that specification back to the USB-C effort. The only reason Apple has not switched from lightning is because it is irresponsible to your consumers who have an investment in lightning accessories. My ProClip car mount being one such accessory. Lightning is now a decade old (about the same as the 30-pin connector when it was replaced). Apple is easing in with the “ipad pro” models since the impact to customers is smaller but they are telegraphing to consumers to lean towards wireless charging accessories and bluetooth and wifi connectivity.

One big reason iPhone 12 and 13 series are thicker is prepping the consumers to not be shocked by the thickness when they go to USB-C — they did it under the guise of “better battery life”. But lightning cables have a bare male connector that gets inserted, but USB-C is thicker because the connector is not exposed.

 

[BC2009]

Deleted

 

[jav6454]

I used to get excited about the next iOS but now it just gets worse and worse with each passing year.

Mainly cause in the past, features were a mystery until they were discussed in general at a keynote. Now? Public beta, Dev beta... it takes the fun away. Just like the leaks for devices. No more wow factor as you get to know everything before hand.

 

[switz]

The most magic day for the iPhone was when Steve introduced the very first one in a really dramatic fashion had the crowd on their feet. The announcements are now more of a ho - hum event as nearly every detail has been discussed before the official announcement.

In some ways it is like looking at the Christmas gifts in the closet before they are wrapped and put under the tree and then trying to look surprised when you open them....

 

[derek4484]

I'm looking forward to the day when I can buy a USB-C iPhone....long time past due. My iPad is already USB-C, it sucks having to keep two different cables everywhere one for each. The Lightning plug was necessary to make the phones thinner, but as soon as USB-C was released, the Lightning plug should've gone away.

 

[Realityck]

I'm looking forward to the day when I can buy a USB-C iPhone....long time past due. My iPad is already USB-C, it sucks having to keep two different cables everywhere one for each. The Lightning plug was necessary to make the phones thinner, but as soon as USB-C was released, the Lightning plug should've gone away.

While USB-C makes sense for fast data connectivity with iPhones, iPads and Macs, but changing all the smaller accessories to USB-C is a lot less practical.

Like your AirPod Pro case is very petite. Same for Magic Mouse, even the newest extended keyboard that comes with Mac Studio is the much smaller lightning connector. So this rumor that we need to change the whole ecosystem of accessories that currently relies on Lightning is not going to help most people. Accessories just don't benefit from USB-C that much IMHO.