iOS 12.2 Beta Mentions New iPads and 7th-Generation iPod Touch Yet to Be Launched

New software beta indicates new iPads and an updated iPod touch arriving soon.

Image via Apple

The new iOS 12.2 launched earlier this week as a public beta, comes a few days after the beta was released for developers. The update is available via over the air updates. Apple is expected to launch a low cost iPad with a 10-inch screen and a new iPad mini. The beta software also appears to indicate that the new iPad mini would work with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

In the Maps app, there's a new option that can be activated by the Maps section of the Settings app to show Air Quality alongside weather readings.

Image via 9to5Mac

iOS 12.2 expands upon Apple News, launching in Canada for the first time, accessible in both English and French for iPhone and iPad users. The update also hints at a possible Apple News subscription feature, where a Texture magazine can be added to Apple News. Apple appears to be internally testing a possible subscription magazine option "Apple NewsMagazines," via Apple News, according to images located in iOS 12.2 by  9to5Mac where customers can subscribe in the Apple News app. 

iOS 12.2 also introduces HomeKit and AirPlay 2 for third-party televisions and also has a new TV remote in the Control Center. Additional updates include changes to the Wallet app, the Downtime feature in Screen Time and a new addition to Safari. iOS 12.2 also brings in more Siri support in a newer version of AirPods.

Image via Apple

As always, the software to be beta tested several times before public launch.

---

Amazon Strikes Deal with Apple to Sell New iPhones and iPads from Apple and Apple-Authorized Retailers

Amazon’s New Deal with Apple allows selling of Apple products ranging from iPhones to Apple Watches Right on the e-commerce giant’s website

Image via Apple

While third-party sellers have sold Apple products before, they have varied greatly from Apple pricing and have not guaranteed sourcing or product quality. The new deal does guarantee product quality, with products sold directly from Apple and Apple-authorized retailers. Apple products will roll out on Amazon sites in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan and India over the next few weeks.

The deal includes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPad Pro, Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple-owned Beats products, but not every Apple product. HomePod, that competes with Amazon’s own Echo, is noticeably absent.

“We’re working with Amazon to improve the experience for Apple customers on their site and we look forward to those customers having another great way to buy iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and more.”

— Apple statement

Any seller currently on Amazon who sells Apple products will have listings taken down officially January 4th and will need to reapply to Apple directly to become an official Apple-authorized reseller before being allowed to sell Apple products again on Amazon.

“Amazon is constantly working to enhance the customer experience, and one of the ways we do this is by increasing selection of the products we know customers want. We look forward to expanding our assortment of Apple and Beats products globally.”

— Amazon spokesperson in official statement

Roughly 71 percent of Apple’s sales in fiscal 2018 that ended in September, came through indirect distribution channels like Amazon, reported Reuters. It is clear that Amazon is the dominant e-commerce distributor as previously Apple and Nike had both resisted selling on the platform but now acknowledge Amazon’s dominance and critical presence for reaching customers.