iOS 8.2 beta release date March 9; Brings health app update, stability, bug fixes

Apple's 'Spring Forward' eventapple.com/live

Apple's iOS 8.2 will probably roll out on Monday, March 9, as the final beta version of the operating system is already being seeded to employees and carrier partners for testing. The Gold Master version has build number of 12D508, and it comes with Health app improvements, stability enhancements, and bug fixes. 

This makes sense as Apple will hold its "Spring Forward" event on the said date, and it would be a good venue for the company to discuss or mention the latest iOS update. Also, the Apple Watch, which is suspected to take center stage during the event, is speculated to run with the new 8.2 version of the operating system. The software reportedly has features supported by the first wearable device of the Cupertino-based tech giant. 

According to MacRumors, iOS 8.2 focuses on the Health app in the operating system. The Health app can now show the units of measurement for body temperature, weight, height, distance and blood glucose. 

Moreover, the notes of the operating system detailed the Health App improvements it brings: 

  • Adds the ability to select the unit of measurement for body temperature, weight, height, distance, and blood glucose
  • Improves stability when dealing with large amounts of data
  • Includes the ability to add and visualise workout sessions from 3rd-party apps
  • Addresses an issue that may have prevented users from adding a photo in Medical ID
  • Fixes units for vitamins and minerals
  • Fixes an issue where Health data wouldn't refresh after changes data source order
  • Fixes an issue where some graphics showed no data values
  • Adds a privacy setting that enables turning off tracking of steps, distance, and flights climbed

iOS 8.2 will also improve the performance and stability of the software as well as improve some features such as Mail, Flyover in Maps, Music, VoiceOver and Made for iPhone hearing aids.

Aside from release notes, iOS 8.2 will also come with a fix for the newly found bug "FREAK" that affects iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. It also fixes the "GMT bug" that messes the calendar syncing issues for iPhone and iPad users.