Reports have it that Apple recently released the fifth beta of the iOS 8.2 to registered iOS developers, preparing for its alleged release sometime in March, International Business Times reported.
Anticipation is high for the new iOS, not just because of the less than satisfactory iOS updates over the past few months, but also because the update supports the upcoming Apple Watch platform.
Apple has reportedly seeded the fifth beta out to developers, which is also available via the iOS Dev Center for only 258 GB. Not only that, but with it came the WatchKit SDK, which will allow for the creation of apps, notifications, services and Glances ahead of time before the iOS is launched.
As for when the iOS will hit devices, it was initially rumored to be coming out at the same time as the launch of the Apple Watch. However, recent speculations says it's said to be coming out in March instead, according to Mac Rumors.
There was no exact release date being pinned down, though some reported it would come out sometime the second week of the month. It could mean that the software will be released just a week or so before the Apple Watch, or possibly even over a month.
It seemed unusual to some for Apple to launch the two apart, especially as the update focuses heavily on the Apple Watch function instead of other bug fixes or minor improvements. Also, Apple reportedly wanted developers to finish their Apple Watch apps by mid-February, so it would make more sense to release the iOS straight with the Apple Watch instead of waiting.
Then again, this might allow users to get used to it and developers to check the software before the Apple Watch hits stores in April. The release date was already confirmed by Apple CEO Tim Cook, though he refused to name an exact date.
Going back to the iOS 8.2 beta 5, those who have been monitoring the Apple's iOS beta releases noted that Apple has only gone beyond five betas for a major iOS update twice, according to Forbes.
This might spell good news if Apple is planning to plug the iOS 8.2 with some big and much needed fixes that have long since plaguing users. These issues include ongoing problems with the WiFi connection, Bluetooth, battery problems and calendar problems.
In the beta 5 release notes in particular, it seemed like the calendar problems were addressed somewhat, stating under the Calendar section, "Fixed in beta 5 - 3rd party calendar sync does not work in this beta."
There have been no notes on the other issues though, so it remains to be seen if the iOS 8.2 will be able to fix all the wrongs of the previous versions of the software or end up being another disappointment.