Apple has recently seeded iOS 12.2 beta and it is available for beta testing to developers right now. While the company has added some big and small changes that will be making their way to iOS devices once it is released, the software update also seems to have leaked some previously unknown information. In this article we are going to talk about different leaks that have surfaced thanks to Apple mentioning certain unannounced products in the codebase.
Let’s start with the AirPods. As reported by 9to5Mac, iOS 12.2 includes set up interface for the Hey Siri feature on AirPods. Just like on other devices, the Hey Siri functionality will allow AirPods users to summon Siri by simply saying the phrase ‘Hey Siri’. On current models users have to tap on their AirPods before they can talk to Siri. As can be seen in the leaked interface, users will be able to set up Hey Siri while configuring AirPods with their iPhone. The Hey Siri functionality will only be available on second generation AirPods, which are yet to be announced by Apple.
In addition to that iOS 12.2 beta also contains references to unreleased models of iPad and iPod touch, fuelling speculation that Apple will soon release new models of these products. According to developer Steve Troughton-Smith iOS 12.2 contain references to iPad 11,1, iPad 11,2, iPad 11,3 and iPad 11,4 all of which don’t match any currently available iPads. The references represent both Wi-Fi and Cellular variations. It can be speculated that these references are pointing towards a new iPad mini 5th generation and a 9.7-inch iPad.
In theory, iOS 12.2 references four new iPads in WiFi & Cellular variants (perhaps mini, and 9.7"?), all without Face ID, and a (seventh-gen?) iPod touch with no Touch ID nor Face ID pic.twitter.com/xiJN6kmmTe
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) January 25, 2019
iPad isn’t the only product category that has received a mention as iOS 12.2 also points towards an iPod touch with iPod 9,1 model identifier. This new iPod touch is expected to feature an edge-to-edge display however it may not feature Face ID or Touch ID authentication, relying only on passcode based unlocks like current model.
Lastly iOS 12.2 beta also tells us about Apple’s upcoming Apple News Magazines service, which is a subscription service for publications that are available through Apple News app. With this new service Apple News readers will be able to subscribe to their favorite publication and pay for access using their iTunes account. From what it looks like users will also be able to get bundle subscriptions that could include other services like Apple Music and upcoming TV Shows service.
