HIGHLIGHTS
- iOS 15.5 beta 1 is now available to developers who have registered for beta testing.
- The current iOS beta version mentions the Apple Classical app.
- In the latest version, Apple has improved the Wallet and Home applications.
Apple has released the first beta versions of iOS 15.5 and iPadOS 15.5 for developers to test ahead of their official release. The latest betas arrive less than a month after the public release of iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4. In terms of new features, the iOS 15.5 beta version is claimed to include code that enables support for applications with external purchases. Apple is also said to have made allusions to the Apple Classical app, which might be targeted at providing a classical music library in addition to the usual recordings accessible on Apple Music.
Developers who have already registered for beta testing can download iOS 15.5 beta 1 by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on their devices. However, there is no word on when the iOS upgrade will be made accessible to the general public.
According to 9to5Mac, the latest iOS beta includes support for allowing apps to provide third-party payment solutions. It also contains a feature that warns users that if they deactivate an app that supports external purchases, they will no longer be able to manage their purchases and subscriptions through the App Store.
Users will also get a notice when they launch an app that supports external purchases for the first time. The notice, however, will not be available for all such apps.
According to Apple's App Store criteria, it has allowed 'External Link Account Entitlement,' which is only accessible for "reader" apps - essentially, those that give digital material like as magazines, books, music, or movies. The rules also state that apps that provide in-app purchases on iOS and iPadOS are ineligible to use the 'External Link Account Entitlement.' Furthermore, Apple's Software Review team will need to approve the app submission with the updated entitlement.
Apple's latest action is in response to recent regulatory pressure.
In January, a South Korean regulator revealed that Apple intended to enable third-party payment methods on the App Store in the nation. Dating applications in the Netherlands are also permitted to continue using Apple's in-app purchasing mechanism in conjunction with a third-party choice or an external link.
According to MacRumors, iOS 15.5 beta 1 has references to the Apple Classic app in addition to external purchase functionality.
In August of last year, Apple announced the acquisition of classical music streaming provider Primephonic, as well as intentions to build a classical music app. The end result of the announcement might be the Apple Classical app.
The new app is expected to integrate Apple Music features such as Lossless and Spatial Audio, as well as a database of classic music recordings.
The exact date and time of the Apple Classic app's release have yet to be announced.
The latest iOS beta release also includes an upgraded Home app with Wi-Fi signal bars to indicate whether or not the HomePod is connected to the Internet. In addition, the beta version includes a redesigned Wallet app with Request and Send buttons in the Apple Pay Cash area. To complement the other modifications, Apple Pay in the Messages app has been renamed 'Apple Cash.'
Along with the Apple Pay Cash upgrade, the Wallet app now includes a renamed iTunes Pass, known as Apple Account Card. There are also mentions of SportsKit assistance.
