Apple news and rumors for March 2 include significant iPhone changes via iOS 9.3 beta 5. (Getty)
The Apple news and rumors for March 2 include all the new beta 5 updates for iOS 9.3, including a feature that warns you if your iPhone’s being monitored. Unfortunately, this new beta also includes increased company control over business iPhones. We’ll also see the restoration of all of Apple Pencil’s functionality, along with new apps that will take advantage of dual cameras on the iPhone.
Here’s what you need to know.
The New iOS 9.3 Beta May Notify You if Your iPhone is Monitored or Supervised
This photo of the Apple homescreen with the iOS 9.3 beta 5 shows a notification that the phone is monitored. Although other developers haven’t confirmed this photo, we do know the new beta will increase companies’ control over employees’ iPhones. (Reddit/Imgur)
One of the biggest new features to hit the latest iOS 9.3 beta release is a message on your homescreen notifying you if your phone is being managed by your organization. This tidbit was shared on Reddit by MaGNeTiX, who said he noticed the message after downloading the newest iOS 9.3 beta. The photo above is the message that appeared on his homescreen, which reads: “This iPhone is managed by your organisation.” The next photo was on his About screen: “This iPhone is supervised. [Company Name] can monitor your Internet traffic and locate this device.”
The second photo from Reddit, showing iOS 9.3 beta 5 changes. These still need to be confirmed by other developers. (Reddit/Imgur)
He said he didn’t think the message was specific to MDM, but happens if the device is supervised through either Apple configurator or the Device Enrollment Program. In other words, it’s used for devices controlled by companies and distributed to employees.
It’s worth noting, however, that this hasn’t been confirmed by any other iPhone beta testers yet.
iOS 9.3 May Also Give Employers More Control of Employees’ iPhones
According to Techspot, the Apple developer’s documentation shows that company-controlled phones will be exposed to even more monitoring and oversight. Businesses with mobile device management access may be able to edit employees’ homescreens, including deciding where apps are positioned. Employers could also hide apps, including pre-installed Apple apps, and block some apps completely, like games. They can also change how frequently notifications are delivered.
iOS 9.3 Beta 5 Restores Apple Pencil
Worries that Apple Pencil’s functionality was gone forever can be put to rest. The fifth iOS 9.3 beta, released to registered developers and public beta users, will restore full Apple Pencil features, including scrolling and navigation on iPad Pros, 9to5Mac reported. The Night Shift icon in the Control Center was also updated.
New Apps Could Take Advantage of iPhone’s Dual Cameras
iPhone 7 is rumored to feature dual cameras and new apps will take advantage of that, MacRumors reported. These new “killer apps” could take advantage of 3D object mapping and depth analysis. Apps could also be used to help with interior decorating, such as creating a detailed depth map to map a room’s layout for new furniture. An app might also scan a real-world object for improved 3D printing.
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Apple News & Rumors, March 2: iOS 9.3, iPhone monitoring, Pencil restored