Credit: Apple
Apple’s big product release roadmap for the fall continues apace, with new iPhones, iPads, Macs with Apple silicon, and macOS Big Sur. But it hasn’t forgotten about iOS 14, which is gearing up for its third big point release.
Apple has now released the beta of iOS 14.3 to developers, with a public release probably close behind.
What’s new in iOS 14.3
In addition to bug fixes and security updates, iOS 14.3 brings several new features. These are the big ones discovered so far in the beta, though they may not all make it into the final iOS 14.3 release.
ProRAW image format
Apple teased its new ProRAW image format for iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max when the phones were unveiled, but said the new image format would come in a software update later this year. It appears that iOS 14.3 makes it available. Go to Settings > Camera and look for the option under “Formats.” Apple describes it like this:
ProRAW is a 12-bit file that uses the Linear DNG format to retain more information and dynamic range in the file, providing additional flexibility when editing exposure and white balance. Each file is approximately 25 MB.
Third-party app suggestions during setup
According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 14.3 will feature a change to the iPhone setup process in some regions. In locations where the law requires it, the setup process will now show some App Store apps during the setup process, before a user even begins using their iPhone.
It’s unclear where this new feature will take effect. Apple is under antitrust investigation in several countries.
AirTags and third-party trackers
9to5Mac reports that iOS 14.3 includes a hidden section in the Find My app code-named “Hawkeye.” The section is intended for the upcoming AirTags product, as well as for other third-party tracking devices that meet Apple’s requirements.
PS5 and Luna controller support
In addition to current Xbox and PlayStation controller support, iOS 14.3 adds support for the new DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5 and the Luna controller for Amazon's online game streaming service.
How to get the iOS 14.3 beta
Registered developers can download the beta profile to their iPhone or iPad by going to developer.apple.com/download on the device upon which they wish to run the beta. Sign in there, download the beta profile, and enable it in Settings > General > Profile. You’ll have to restart your iPhone or iPad, and then open Settings > Software Update to download and install the new version of iOS.
If you’re not a developer and wish to participate in the public beta test, go to beta.apple.com on the iPhone or iPad you wish to run the beta on. Tap Sign Up to sign in with your Apple ID and follow the instructions to download the beta profile.
You’ll need to make sure it’s enabled by going to Settings > General > Profile and tapping on the beta profile, then making sure it’s enabled. Then reset your device, and download the latest beta by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
