iOS 10 news: iOS 10.2 beta version goes live

A promotional image for the iOS 10Apple

Individuals registered under Apple's public beta program can now download the latest iOS version for testing. The iOS10.2 beta includes Unicode 9.0 emoji, iPhone 7 wallpapers, and new camera features.

The latest beta version of the mobile operating system includes an updated Unicode 9 emoji characters that portray a more realistic look. The new set is similar to the available ones on the macOS 10.12.2 and watchOS 3.1.1. It also includes about 72 new icons, such as a selfies, a sneezing face, a clown, and bacon. There are also three new wallpapers that iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus owners can use, a new widget for the Videos app, and a new Bluetooth headphone icon in the status bar (previously visible to Beats Solo 3 owners), according to 9To5Mac.

Then there is also the new "Preserve Camera Setting," so it does not reset every time the Camera application opens up. A new screen effect for Celebration Message was also added. Users will also have the option to see audio files' star ratings if they wish to, and they would have the option to select the "Press and Hold to Speak" functionality that falls under the Accessibility settings for the home button, GSM Arena added.

A stable version of iOS 10.2 is expected to be released to every user by the end of the month. Bug fixes and performance related developments are also expected to come along once the version is accessible to everyone.

Individuals who are interested in joining the public beta program can do so by visiting and registering for Apple's Beta Software Program.

In related news, upon releasing iOS 10.1.1, Apple stopped signing versions 10.0.2 and 10.0.3. This means that compatible devices can only go back to a single release version, which is iOS 10.1. Users will only be able to stay within the two versions until the company released a newer version.

The move by the tech giant came in as a surprise to the community since it normally takes a long time before they stop signing an older firmware. It is speculated that the company intends to make its users be equipped with the latest operating system on their devices. Although, others suggest that there is a big security blunder that Apple wanted to bury right away.