Top Features of the iOS 18 Beta version

Recently, Apple released the iOS 18 beta version, giving iPhone users a chance to get an early peek at the upcoming software update slated for full release this fall. While the beta has several user interface changes and app updates, Apple Interface, the most celebrated feature is not available for testing yet.

The iOS 18 public beta is available for iPhone models from back in 2018, including iPhone XS and newer. Users can get it by going to Settings, then Generals, Software Update, and selecting the iOS 18 public beta option.

However, Apple recommends installing the beta software only on secondary devices thanks to potential bugs and compatibility issues.

iOS 18 beta version: What’s new for iPhone users?

iOS 18 brings forth significant customization options for the iPhone’s interface. If you’re an iPhone user, you can now place app icons anywhere on the screen, including around borders to showcase wallpaper. The Control center is overwhelming with the multiple customizable pages. App icons can be set to a dark theme or even a single color scheme.

Some other visual updates involve colorful message reactions in the Message app along with a redesigned Photos app that uses AI to organize pictures into albums and trips automatically. For example, The Safari browser now offers article summaries and auto-generated table of contents.

Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI assistant as of announced in June, is not a part of the public beta. It is insinuated that this feature will be available for use later this summer, before launching officially in the fall. Apple Intelligence is supposed to provide Chat-GPT level conversational AI capabilities, image generation, and enhanced Siri functionality.

The AI features are suited to work only for newer iPhone models like the iPhone 15 series or the recent iPads with M1 chips or later. Satellite texting is also available for supported iPhones when cellular service is unavailable, call transcription, a dedicated Passwords app, and the ability to transfer money by tapping two iPhones together.

Not only iOS 18 beta version, public betas for iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS11 are also released by Apple. The stable release for all OS is insinuated to happen in September, alongside the iPhone 16 series.

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What is new in iOS 18 Beta version?

CarPlay Wallpapers

Apple has integrated new Light and Dark mode wallpapers both as options for CarPlay and the current wallpaper mirrors the wallpaper added to the iPhone.

Settings

There is now a new way to access the iCloud settings in the Settings app. An iCloud option is now paired with the AppStore, Game Center, and Wallet. iCloud settings can still be accessed by tapping your Apple account and choosing iCloud from the interface.

Camera Controls

In the Camera section of the Settings app, there is now a new “Controls menu” option under the Preserve Settings. The Controls Menu preserves the previously used camera tool while expanding the controls menu instead of showing the full list of camera control options while using the Camera tool.

Hidden Folder

There is now a change in the dedicated hidden folder available on the iOS 18 Beta version. Apple has changed the design of the Hidden Library in the App Library. Rather than showing the older icon with an eye with a line through it, depicting secrecy, it is now blanked out app squares. This makes it stand out less than before.

Dark Mode/Light Mode icons

The Dark Mode and Light Mode icons now appropriately cooperate with the Light and Dark Mode settings on the iPhone when you use the “Automatic” setting under Customize.

When you turn on “Automatic”, the apps comply and turn dark when dark mode is on and turn light when the light mode is on. It is pretty convenient for the users.

Stocks Icon

Apple has ended up tweaking the design of the Stocks app icon. The lines are now subtler and the white haze below the apps is completely gone.

iPhone Mirroring

This now is a macOS Sequoia feature more than an iOS 18 Beta feature. But while using iPhone mirroring with macOS Sequoia beta 4, you can change the size of the iPhone window on the display of your Mac.

Control Center

There is a new addition of a Control Center toggle for Bluetooth. Apple also went through the work of adding Silent Mode/Mute Toggle and an accessibility Eye Mirroring option.

The Open Music Control system is removed. These changes are not only applicable to Bluetooth, or music, they are also applicable to the Lock Screen Controls.

Apple Intelligence

Apple has finally decided to launch the AI assistant – Apple Intelligence. With the upcoming beta version launch, Apple might just as well launch AI (Apple Intelligence). There has been very much of excitement about it amongst the people. The references now hint at the launch of the AI assistant in the very near future.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, Apple is on a mission to widen the Apple ecosystem. Which is why the iOS 18 beta version has been hitting the markets recently. It brings forth a lot more additions and addresses issues that had been a bother all these times.

iOS 18 beta version is an onset of newer updates and advancements that are coming our way in full throttle. The latest fourth version comes with loads and loads of features that involve addressing the issues that we have faced in the past.

The Hidden App icon was a clear tell-tale sign of privacy, by using empty square boxes it paints the app more fit for the job it is supposed to do – secrecy. These small updates have brought many of us a secure privacy and accessibility. It indeed is a necessity in the Apple ecosystem as of now.