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Apple released the first beta version of iOS 8.2, the next major update for iOS 8 on November 18th, and has released three more beta versions (beta 2, beta 3) since then, including beta 4 released last week.
What’s New in iOS 8.2
Here’s a look the new features and improvements discovered in iOS 8.2 so far:
WatchKit support
The biggest iOS 8.2 feature is the support for WatchKit, the developer SDK for the Apple Watch. Developers can make Glances, Notifications and WatchKit apps with the new SDK. Apple is rumored to launch the much-awaited Apple Watch in March, so the WatchKit should give developers enough time to get their apps ready for Apple Watch. The WatchKit has also revealed some interesting details about the upcoming Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Bluetooth support
iOS 8.2 also includes Bluetooth support for Apple Watch. The Bluetooth section of the Settings app now includes special instructions for pairing with an Apple Watch, that say “To pair an Apple Watch with your iPhone, go to the Apple Watch app.” The dedicated Apple Watch app will not only help pair the iPhone with the watch, but also let users download and install Watch apps, and manage settings.
Glucose tracking
Apple removed blood glucose tracking from the Health app in iOS 8 after users in UK and Australia reporting issues with the measurements taken. With iOS 8.2 beta 3, Apple has restored this functionality, fixing the issues reported by users.
The problem stemmed from Health app’s handling of the units in which blood glucose levels were entered. While everything worked fine when the unit is mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), mmol/L (millimoles per liter) is the unit which had problems in both accepting and displaying the glucose levels. iOS 8.2 brings back blood glucose monitoring, and supports both units of measurement.
Additionally, the Health app now also features a brief description that accompanies each category of health data. For the Glucose Content, the description reads: “Glucose–also called blood sugar–is the main sugar found in the blood and the main source of energy for your body.”
Bug Fixes
It fixes a bug in the Messages app where tapping on a conversation can take a long time.
It also includes fixes for keyboards not appearing in Safari, Maps, and some third party apps.
iOS 8.2 Jailbreak
When TaiG team released the jailbreak for iOS 8.1.1, they initially noted on their website that the jailbreak was compatible with iOS 8.2 beta, however users found out that the tool couldn’t jailbreak iOS 8.2 beta. The TaiG team later clarified that iOS 8.2 beta support had been intentionally disabled until the public release. They’re confident to release a jailbreak for iOS 8.2 once Apple releases it to the public.
Compatibility
The following iOS devices are compatible with iOS 8.2:
iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and iPhone 4s
iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad 3 and iPad 2
iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, 1st gen iPad mini
Release Date
It is not certain when Apple will release iOS 8.2. But since Apple is rumored to launch Apple Watch in March, we expect iOS 8.2 to be released along with it or couple of days before the launch.
iPod touch 5th generation
