A little over two weeks after their introduction, Apple on Tuesday released the second developer builds for iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite. New beta builds for Apple TV and Xcode 6 were also provided.
Current iOS 8 beta testers can grab the second beta, build 12A4297e, via over the air Software Update. OS X Yosemite Beta 2, build 14A261i, is also rolling out via the Mac App Store Update section. Registered developers not currently running either version can grab download redemption keys (for Yosemite) and full firmware updates (for iOS 8) from Apple’s Developer Center.
Developers should note that Apple is rolling out availability of the updates gradually, and they may not yet appear for all users in Software Update yet. Those eager to grab the latest build should head to the Apple Developer Center for immediate access.
An overview of changes in the new builds (we’ll update this list as we learn more):
- OS X: Photo Booth (absent from the first beta) is back with a new flat design that loses its traditional theater-like appearance.
- OS X: The Time Machine restore interface loses the space/galaxy theme and is replaced by the same blurred background found at the Yosemite login screen.
- OS X: There is a new option in System Preferences > App Store to automatically install OS X system updates. The operating system warns you that “the computer will restart overnight” to install these updates (note that this is different from automatic OS X app updates, which Apple introduced in Mavericks).
- iOS 8: Apple’s controversial Podcasts app is now preinstalled in iOS 8.
- iOS 8: Safari will block ads for apps from automatically launching the App Store without user approval.
- iOS 8: Apple’s QuickType keyboard is now available on the iPad after being limited to the iPhone in the first beta.
