Apple has released the fifth beta of an upcoming iOS 11.2 update. This update brings a new feature and several bug fixes. The beta update is available to download for developers and public testers. The latest beta update comes a month after the release of the first major iOS 11 update, iOS 11.1.
To recall, Apple rolled out iOS 11.1 stable update earlier this month which mostly fixed bugs and brought us a bunch of new emojis. However, now iOS 11.2 seems more significant, with the addition of a new feature called Apple Pay Cash. Here’s what is new in 11.2, when it will come, and how you can get the beta right now.
What’s new in iOS 11.2
In the iOS 11.2 fifth beta release, there are plenty of bug fixes and small improvements have been noticed. Along with these fixes, there are two major changes in the update: Apple Pay Cash and faster wireless charging for iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
Apple Pay Cash
The iOS 11.2 update introduces a new peer-to-peer payments service called Apple Pay Cash. The Pay Cash works through the Messages app on iPhone and is designed for quick money transfers.
Source: Apple
The feature is available as a dedicated iMessage app in Messages and cash can be transferred through the app from a linked debit or credit card. While received cash goes in an Apple Pay Cash card in Wallet that can be used for purchases or sent to a bank account.
Faster Wireless Charging
Another major change the iOS 11.2 update brings is support for faster wireless charging for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. The faster-charging speeds will now be available when using third-party wireless chargers that support up to 7.5W charging or even more.
Control Center Settings
There is another change iOS 11.2 adds in Control Center. Now, there are two new pop-ups displayed when you are using the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth toggles. These pop-ups will explain that Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are disabled temporarily rather than permanently when they are accessed from Control Center.
Moreover, on the iPhone X, the update adds a small bar underneath the icons located on the upper right side of the device on the Lock screen. The bar is designed to make the location of the Control Center gesture clearer.
Calculator App bug fixes
The update also fixes an animation bug in the Calculator app that caused some numbers and symbols to be ignored when entered successively. The update also removes the animations from the calculator app so it can be used quickly without pausing between entering numbers.
Additionally, iOS 11.2 introduces a bunch of other features as well. For instance, there is a new Now Playing option in Control Center for controlling content on the Apple TV, a new loading animation for Live Photos effects, and new Live wallpapers for the iPhone X etc.
There is not an official release date for iOS 11.2 stable as of now, however, since beta releases are happening every week, it shouldn’t be far away. For the beta update, registered developers can download the new iOS 11.2 from Apple’s Developer Center.
