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Apple releases 27.2 beta 4, AirPods firmware betas as Apple Music goes monochrome

Apple launched beta 4 for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS 27.2, plus AirPods betas, as Apple Music goes monochrome.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-14 05:23

9to5Mac reported that the beta 4 updates are available now for devices running Apple developer beta software. Beta 3 arrived just over one week ago, and based on the expected launch timeline, beta 4 may be the final update before the release candidate. New features in iPadOS 27.2 so far include profiles in the Apple TV app, Siri AI support in more languages, a new contextual Siri shortcut on iPad, and a redesigned Health app that had been expected to be removed before the public launch. Because the release is close, beta 4 is likely to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements rather than significant changes.

In iOS 27.2 beta 4, Apple Music has a new app icon, according to 9to5Mac. The icon removes color from the branding: it is a white icon with a black music logo by default, and black with a white logo in dark mode. The Verge reported, citing 9to5Mac, that the eighth note on the icon also appears to have a slightly sharper angle than the original. A new Apple Music logo was spotted last month on the Apple Music Hall website, suggesting the company may be refreshing the app icon to match. The Music app also now uses blue in the tab bar for the active tab, widgets use simple black backgrounds instead of the previous red and pink, and Library sections such as Playlists, Albums, Artists and Songs have had color removed. A user on X shared images of the new icon in different color modes, including the tinted version, The Verge reported; if the monochrome version reaches a public iOS release, users might use the tinted home screen option to make it resemble the previous red version. Apple Music costs $11.99 per month or is available as part of the Apple One bundle.

The overhauled Health app is not included in iOS 27.2 beta 4. Apple first announced the upgraded Health app in September and still says to expect it later this year. 9to5Mac reported that iOS 27.2 developer beta 1 was the first iPhone software update to include the new Health app, and Apple added it to public beta 1 and public beta 2 as well. It features new data points such as health age and adds the ability to schedule lab work through Quest Diagnostics. In beta 4, however, the new Health app is gone and the prior version is restored; the longevity section is replaced with the previous sharing section. The beta 4 notes say Health data added during the beta testing period will be retained and viewable in the Settings app, and that the release is still planned for this year. The change likely means iOS 27.3 beta will arrive in late October or early November with the Health app upgrade, and the new Health app is not expected for everyone in October as previously planned.

Apple also rolled out developer and public firmware betas for several AirPods models. 9to5Mac reported that the models include AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 5, AirPods 5 with the wireless charging case, AirPods Pro 2 in Lightning and USB-C versions, AirPods Max 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation. All the firmware updates carry build number 9B5043a, and Apple has yet to detail what is included. Users can join the public AirPods beta by enabling the option from the AirPods settings screen on an iPhone. Apple's instructions call for an updated iPhone, iPad or Mac with Bluetooth on, a Wi-Fi connection, the charging case connected to power, and the AirPods placed in the closed case within Bluetooth range for at least 30 minutes before checking the firmware version again. For AirPods Max, Apple says to plug the charging cable into the bottom-right earphone and wait at least 30 minutes. If an update still fails, Apple recommends resetting the AirPods and trying again.

The beta releases came on the same day Apple unveiled a new Apple TV 4K, a new HomePod mini, a new $299 HomeView smart display, the Apple Home Collection and multiple OS betas, according to 9to5Mac. The AirPods firmware betas accompany macOS 27.2 Golden Gate developer beta 4 and its counterparts for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro.

Editor's Summary Apple advanced its 27.2 software cycle with beta 4 for multiple platforms, new AirPods firmware testing and a monochrome Apple Music redesign. The removal of the revamped Health app from iOS 27.2 beta 4 indicates that the health upgrade will slip to a later release, likely iOS 27.3. The timing still points to a public 27.2 launch later this month, with beta 4 expected to bring fixes rather than major new features.