Apple releases iOS 11.3 and tvOS 11.3 beta 2, fixing Skype crash issue

Apple today released the second developer betas of both iOS and tvOS 11.3. The original builds were a bit rough around the edges, given that these are mid-stream feature updates, so today's betas include some welcome fixes.

One major fix included in iOS 11.3 build 15E5178f is that Skype no longer crashes at launch, and Maps no longer crashes when using the "Destinations" UI while it's connected to CarPlay. It's also worth noting that there's currently no iOS 11.3 support for the sixth-generation iPod Touch; however, that will be coming in a later release. You'll also need to be on iTunes 12.7.3 or later to tether your device.

iOS 11.3 contains a number of new features. Most notably, you can check your battery's health, and toggle off the device throttling that Apple implemented for older devices. There are also new Animojis for iPhone X users, Business Chat, Messages in iCloud, Health Records, and more.

There are some new Mobile Device Management (MDM) features in this build, some of which are also present in tvOS 11.3 build 15L5175d:

• Delay the ability to see and install iOS updates for up to 90 days.
• Disable USB Restricted Mode.
• Enable and disable Bluetooth if the Bluetooth settings are not restricted.
• Find information for an installed app including update availability, if it is assigned to the device or the user, and if the source of the app is the App Store, an Enterprise app, or a beta.
• Arrange WebClips to the Home Screen Layout payload.
• Prevent unmanaged apps from accessing contacts in managed accounts.
• Skip the Proximity Setup screen on first reboot after using the EraseDevice command.
• Skip the Privacy screen during setup.
• Specify the version number of an iOS update when using the ScheduleOSUpdate command.
• Require teacher permission for a student to leave an unmanaged class in Classroom.
• Restrict the Remote app from connecting to specific Apple TV devices.
• Reinstall deleted system apps with the InstallApplication command.
• Allow MMS messages to bypass Always-On IKEv2 VPN.

Of course, there are still going to be various bugs across all of these, and that's the risk that users take by running beta software. Apple will likely release public betas tomorrow, and the final updates will be available this spring.