Apple iOS 8.3 beta features CarPlay, emoji and verification updates

Apple continues its flood of releases with the first beta of iOS 8.3. Available to registered developers, it comes just a week after Apple seeded the fifth beta of iOS 8.2, which is also currently being tested.

As a .1 update, it's said this beta includes new features and most likely several bugs.

Xcode 6.3 was also included in the beta and a new version of the Swift language was introduced. Apple's release notes say Swift 1.2 includes 'a number of noteworthy changes' to the language, and it's said Xcode 6.3 also includes enhancements.

With iOS 8.3, Apple has removed the 'beta' label from the iCloud Photo Library and added CarPlay features.

The CarPlay setting is found in the general section of the settings app and enables wireless connectivity. Users can set up CarPlay by pressing and holding the voice control button on the steering wheel.

A new emoji tracker is included - it's similar to that used with OS X 10.10.3, which was released to developers last week.

The new tracker organises emoji into categories in a scrollable list, however no new emoji or skin tones appear to be available.

Also included is support for a Google two-step verification. This can be used whenever users log into and add Google accounts on iOS and removes some of the need for app specific passwords.

iOS 8.3 includes support for the China UnionPay network and the release notes of the beta also indicate Apple Pay may be available in China in the near future.