Oliver Haslam on August 12, 2021, 2:30 am

Apple Releases macOS Monterey Beta 5, watchOS 8 Beta 5, And tvOS 15 Beta 5

Apple has released beta 5 of macOS Monterey, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15 to developers, giving them the chance to continue testing their updates and new features ahead of a public release later this fall.

Apple continues to work its way through busy beta programs for all of its big fall releases, with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 set to bring some changes to the way Safari looks and works.

Those changes are in flux right now however, as Apple reacts to the feedback it’s received thanks to some very unpopular changes to the way tabs appear. Safari has also moved the address bar to the bottom of the screen on iPhone, too. Developers can download the beta 5 update right now so long as they have the required profile installed.

In terms of watchOS 8, the update can be installed via the Watch app on an iPhone. A Focus mode will change the way Do Not Disturb works, while changes to the Home app are also welcome. Anyone installing the watchOS beta should remember that it’s impossible to downgrade, however.

Over in tvOS 15, there isn’t all that much to write home about, unfortunately. Apple didn’t share much about the update during its recent WWDC event, but the new SharePlay feature will allow people to watch content while on a FaceTime call with others.

Apple’s macOS Monterey update will bring new FaceTime functionality, while a new feature will allow users to control their iPad and Mac using the same keyboard and mouse via the magic of Continuity.

If all goes according to plan we expect Apple to make watchOS 8 and tvOS 15 available to the public this September, although Apple is yet to give us a more concrete window than a rather vague “fall.”