Apple Ditches iCloud Messages In iOS 11 Beta 5; Other Features Revealed

Apple gave developers an updated preview of its upcoming iOS 11 software. The fifth beta version of iOS 11 provided developers an in-depth look into the new mobile OS for iPhones, iPads and the like that’s slated for release later this fall.

On Monday, Apple seeded iOS 11 beta 5 to developers. What many noticed right away upon trying out the new beta software is the absence of iCloud Messages. The new feature has apparently been removed by Apple for some reason. However, fans should not be worried because Apple will be reintroducing an improved version of iCloud Messages in a future update, as pointed out by MacRumors.

Apple is planning to make it more efficient for iMessages to just store messages in the iCloud so as not to consume space on the iOS or Mac device’s memory. This is what the iCloud Messages is for. However, Apple may still be in the process of perfecting the feature, so it has decided to remove it from beta. To be clear, Apple does not plan to add it back to any of the pre-release versions of iOS 11. Instead, it will just introduce it in one of the upcoming updates for the official iOS 11 mobile software.

ALSO READ: 5 iOS 11 features we’re excited for

The new iOS 11 beta for developers, as expected, comes with the previously outed features and UI tweaks. For instance, it still has the redesigned Control Center Music app icon that comes with a pulsating indicator that lists all of the audio devices nearby. The list only appears when the user taps the indicator. From the list of audio sources and AirPlay devices, the user can easily connect to a specific device with just a single tap.

Other design tweaks that users can expect when iOS arrives include the modified app icons for Settings and Camera. The Settings app has ditched its gray background for black to make the gears more prominent, while the Camera app has been changed to feature a simpler design. Then, there’s another noticeable tweak when screen recording. With iOS 11, users who are recording their activity on their iPhone or iPad will see the indicator bar switch to a red color instead of the usual blue. The color change is believed to make it easier for everyone to know that they are currently recording their activity on the screen.

Apple Insider also reports that iOS 11 beta 5 with build number 15A5341f comes with an improved voice for Siri and certain enhancements to Apple Pay and Photos services. It also has the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature, which was introduced by Apple in the second beta for the upcoming software update. This new feature was designed to help drivers focus their eyes on the roads while also using their iOS devices.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 8 copper color variant leaks ahead of release

Only registered developers can download the fifth pre-release version of iOS 11 from Apple’s Developer Center. Developers only have until this month to test the features of the new OS ahead of its global release in September alongside the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 8 and the other rumored devices that the Cupertino giant will be showcasing by then.