- Apple rolled out the first public beta for iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 on Monday.
- Now that public betas are rolling out as well, everyone with an iOS or iPadOS device can try the new software and all of the features that Apple is adding in the next update.
- iOS 14 is a massive update packed with hundreds of new features that you can read about right here — some highlights include home screen widgets, new Compact UI features, an App Library with all of your installed apps, and the redesigned Messages app.
Last week, Apple threw us for a loop by releasing the first developer beta of iOS 14.2 just days after iOS 14 had been distributed to the public. Now, three days later, that same update is being pushed out to the public beta testers, which means that anyone with a compatible iPhone can check out the newest features and changes.
For those of you who missed the developer beta rollout last week, iOS 14.2 brings a new Shazam Music Recognition feature to the Control Center, which you can use to figure out what song is playing without having to actually open the Shazam app. Just tap the button in your Control Center and it will detect the song.
Other additions include a new UI for playback controls on lock screens, improvements to the AirPlay 2 interface, and a “People Detection” feature in the Magnifier app to let you know how far away people are.
In order to participate in public betas, you need to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program on Apple’s website. If you’re wondering whether or not your device is compatible with iOS 14.2 or iPadOS 14.2, we put together a full list below that contains every compatible device. If your device is on there, you’re good to go:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPod touch (7th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Air 2
As we’re sure you know by now, installing a new iOS or iPadOS beta on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch couldn’t be easier. Just navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and then tap “Download and Install” at the bottom of that page. If you want, you can also install the update through iTunes by connecting your iOS device to a computer. Whichever method you choose, just make sure to back up your device before installing the update.
