Skip to main content

Apple already released the first public beta of iOS 13.1

Apple’s iOS 13 may not be available to the public yet, but it looks like the company has pretty much finalized what the new operating system is going to look like. How do we know? Well, the company has already released the first public beta of iOS 13.1 — only one day after releasing the beta to developers.

According to reports, iOS 13.1 brings back many of the features that were in early iOS 13 betas but subsequently removed. For example, the new beta offers the ability to Share ETA within the Maps app, and audio sharing, which allows you to share the audio playing on your AirPods or some Beats headphones with a friend.

Related Videos

Those features, in particular, are part of what made iOS 13 such an interesting release — even if they were minor in comparison to features like the new dark mode and improved editing features in the Photos app.

Another feature that has been re-added to iOS 13 is the ability to use Shortcuts automations, which allows you automate smart home devices based on the state of your phone. For example, you could turn on your lights when your phone disconnects from Apple CarPlay.

Siri is getting a little smarter too. Now, when you ask Siri to do something, you could get a response asking you to clarify — which helps make Siri much more versatile. This feature could be enabled by third-party developers too — which could come in handy if developers take advantage of it.

It’s important to note that just because Apple hasn’t released iOS 13.0 to the public yet, that doesn’t mean it’ll skip the release. We still expect iOS 13 to be released to the public, probably around the time of the new iPhone release event, which is rumored to be on September 10. Shortly after, iOS 13.1 will likely release to the public — though it will probably be at least a few weeks after the release of iOS 13.

The first phones to ship with iOS 13 will also be released at the September Apple event, and are currently tipped to be called the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. They’ll feature upgraded cameras, better processors, and more.

Editors' Recommendations

You should pay attention to this cheap, colorful phone with a 200MP camera
A person holding the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

Before it has really begun in earnest, the time of 200-megapixel cameras only being found on top-of-the-range smartphones has ended.

Proof of that is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+, which has a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPX sensor inside its camera module. On paper, it could challenge phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. We’ve taken an early look at the Note 12 Pro+ to see if there’s more to it than just the camera.
Camera clarification
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Read more
Does the Samsung Galaxy A54 have a headphone jack?
The top edge of the Galaxy A54.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 is Samsung's budget flagship that's a solid pick for anyone looking to get the best the company has to offer without breaking the bank. Every time a new smartphone like the Galaxy A54 launches, it can feel like questions about the phone's technical specs take up the majority of the conversation. The hardware features are equally as important since they're the things that prospective buyers will be physically interacting with when using the phone.

When it comes to frequently asked hardware questions, questions about 3.5mm headphone jacks are usually the ones asked most often. Although much of the world has moved on to relying primarily on wireless headphones, there are still those who use wired headphones as their main way of consuming audio content. Most major flagships have dropped headphone jacks entirely, but there's a devoted group of budget devices that still feature them for headphone users who prefer wired connections. Here's what you need to know about the Galaxy A54's audio options and if it has a headphone jack.
The Samsung Galaxy A54 doesn't have a headphone jack

Read more
The Huawei Watch Ultimate looks like the perfect Apple Watch Ultra rival
The Huawei Watch Ultimate in Voyage Blue and Expedition Black themes.

See if you can guess which smartwatch Huawei wants to take on with its latest release. It’s called the Huawei Watch Ultimate, and it’s made to appeal to outdoorsy types, complete with comprehensive diving and expedition modes.

It has a really big screen and a big battery too. That’s right, the Huawei Watch Ultimate is an Apple Watch Ultra competitor — but don’t pass it by just yet, because it’s worth your attention.

Read more