How can I install the iOS 18 public beta?

If you’re interested in signing up for Apple’s public beta testing program, you can do so via Apple’s website right here. Apple’s new software version will be complete in the fall, at which point it will be released to the general public. For the time being, testers should still expect performance and stability issues when running the iOS 18 public beta on primary devices.

What are the new customization options for the Home Screen in iOS 18?

iOS 18 adds multiple new ways for users to customize their iPhone’s Home Screen. You can now place app icons and widgets anywhere on your Home Screen grid. This allows you to leave blank spaces and have full control over where your icons and widgets appear. You can also tint your Home Screen app icons and widgets with any color you want, or opt for a new dark mode option that turns almost all of the Home Screen app icons dark.

What improvements have been made to the Control Center in iOS 18?

Control Center has gotten a significant overhaul in iOS 18, giving you full control over the layout and organization of your experience. You can have multiple pages in Control Center, which you can easily swipe between. There is also a new API that allows third-party apps to donate controls to the new Control Center interface.

What new features are available in the Messages app with iOS 18?

iOS 18 includes multiple new features for the Messages app. First, there are new text effects that can be applied to individual words in messages. These options include big, small, shake, nod, explode, ripple, bloom, and jitter. You can also now add formatting like bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough to any letter, word, or phrase in iMessage. The Tapbacks system has been revamped in iOS 18, so you can react to messages using emojis or stickers. Scheduled messages are also now supported in Messages with iOS 18. You can write a message and then choose to have it delivered in the future.

Does iOS 18 support RCS messaging?

Yes, iOS 18 includes support for RCS messaging for the first time. RCS unlocks better cross-platform communication between iPhone and Android devices. This includes things like read receipts, typing indicators, better group chat support, high-quality photos and videos, and more. RCS support will vary from carrier to carrier around the world.

What is iPhone Mirroring in iOS 18?

In conjunction with macOS Sequoia (which is also now available in public beta), iOS 18 adds a new iPhone Mirroring feature for accessing your iPhone via your Mac. This feature allows you to interact with your iPhone, receive push notifications, and move files between both devices.

What changes have been made to the Photos app in iOS 18?

The Photos app is getting a major revamp in iOS 18, with Apple describing this as the biggest-ever update to the app. There are no more tabs at the bottom of the Photos app, and instead, it features a unified layout that has been simplified into a single view. The new Photos app is also highly customizable, so you can rearrange and pin different Collections, filter out specific types of content (like screenshots), and more.

What are the new features in Safari with iOS 18?

Safari in iOS 18 now features a Highlights option, which Apple says uses machine learning to surface key information from the webpage you’re visiting. This includes a summary of the article, the location of a restaurant, hotel, or landmark, details about people mentioned in the article, music from artists, and movies or TV shows.

What is the new Passwords app in iOS 18?

Apple has finally given us a dedicated Passwords app. This new app, included in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2, gives easy access to all of your passwords, passkeys, and other login information. The app also stores your Wi-Fi passwords.

What privacy features are introduced in iOS 18?

As usual, iOS 18 includes a number of new privacy and security features for iPhone users. First, you can now lock any app behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This means no one will be able to open the app without your authentication. More than that, iOS 18 also includes support for hidden apps. The app name and icon are hidden on the Home Screen and in search, and you won’t receive notifications from the app. Instead, the app is only accessible via a new hidden apps folder in the App Library and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to be opened.

Explore the Exciting New Features in iOS 18 Public Beta

iOS 18 Beta

The much-anticipated iOS 18 public beta is now available for download. This latest update from Apple brings a plethora of new features and enhancements for iPhone users. From innovative customization options to significant upgrades in popular apps like Messages and Photos, iOS 18 is set to transform the user experience. Let's dive into everything new in iOS 18 and how you can make the most of these exciting features.

How to Install the iOS 18 Public Beta

If you’re eager to get your hands on iOS 18, you can join Apple’s public beta testing program via their website. The final release is expected in the fall, but until then, beta testers should be prepared for potential performance and stability issues on their primary devices.

What's New in iOS 18?

Home Screen Customization
iOS 18 Top Features Home Screen Tint

iOS 18 introduces unprecedented customization options for your Home Screen. Users can now place app icons and widgets anywhere on the Home Screen grid, creating blank spaces and personalized layouts. Additionally, you can tint your app icons and widgets in any color or opt for a new dark mode that applies a sleek, dark appearance to nearly all icons.

Enhanced Control Center Features
Control Center iOS 18

The Control Center has been overhauled in iOS 18, offering extensive customization and organization options. You can now have multiple pages in the Control Center and easily swipe between them. A new API allows third-party apps to add controls to the Control Center. For instance, the Ford app can integrate controls for starting your car, opening the trunk, and more.

Customizable Lock Screen Controls

With the revamped Control Center, iOS 18 allows you to customize the two controls on your Lock Screen. Replace the flashlight and camera buttons with any Control Center controls, including third-party ones. These controls can also be assigned to the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro.

New Messages Features
iOS 18 Top Features Messages Tapback Emoji Stickers

The Messages app has received multiple updates, including new text effects like big, small, shake, nod, explode, ripple, bloom, and jitter. Users can now apply formatting such as bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough to any part of their messages. The Tapbacks system now supports reactions with emojis or stickers. Scheduled messages and support for RCS messaging are also included, enhancing cross-platform communication with features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, and improved group chat support.

iPhone Mirroring with macOS Sequoia

iOS 18 introduces iPhone Mirroring, allowing you to interact with your iPhone through your Mac. This feature enables you to receive push notifications and transfer files seamlessly between devices.

SharePlay Upgrades

The SharePlay experience has been revamped, allowing users to draw on someone else's screen or control it directly. This feature is invaluable for providing tech support or collaborating remotely.

Major Photos App Overhaul
Major Photos Update for iOS 18

The Photos app has been completely redesigned, featuring a unified layout without tabs and organizing your library into collections based on themes like Recent Days, People & Pets, and Trips. The search functionality has been enhanced, allowing you to search by combinations of people, places, and more.

Safari Highlights
Safari in iOS 18

Safari in iOS 18 now features Highlights, which uses machine learning to surface key information from webpages. This includes summaries, locations, people, music, movies, and TV shows, providing a richer browsing experience.

Dedicated Passwords App
iOS 18 passwords app(Credit to 9to5mac for this image)

iOS 18 introduces a dedicated Passwords app, giving you easy access to all your passwords, passkeys, and Wi-Fi passwords across iOS, iPadOS, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2.

Upgraded Apple Notes

The Notes app now supports in-line math expressions, collapsible sections, and a new highlight style feature, making it easier to manage and markup your notes.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

iOS 18 includes a Game Mode that minimizes background activity for sustained high frame rates, reduces audio latency with AirPods, and makes wireless game controllers more responsive.

Apple Wallet Upgrades
Tap To Cash Apple Pay iOS 18

Apple Wallet now features Tap to Cash for instant money transfers, redesigned event tickets, Tap to Provision for adding new cards, and new integrations with rewards and installment payments.

New Home and HomeKit Features
Home App Homekit

The Home app now allows specific control grants with guest access, hands-free unlock support for HomeKit smart locks, and the ability to set a preferred Home Hub.

Improved Privacy Features
Lock And Hide Apps On iPhone In iOS 18

iOS 18 includes new privacy features, such as locking apps behind Face ID or Touch ID, hiding apps on the Home Screen, improved contacts sharing, and a new Accessory Setup Kit for pairing Bluetooth accessories.

Accessibility Enhancements
iOS 18 Top Features Accessibility Eye Tracking

New accessibility features in iOS 18 include Eye Tracking for navigating iPhone and iPad, Music Haptics for experiencing music through vibrations, Vocal Shortcuts for launching Siri shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues to reduce motion sickness.

Additional Features

Maps iOS 18 iPhone

Apple Maps: Topographic maps, custom walking and hiking routes, turn-by-turn navigation.
Journal: Log moods, insights tracking, new widgets.
Phone: Call recording, T9 dialing, call history search, automatic Mic Mode selection.
Calendar: Redesigned month view, integration with Reminders.
Freeform: Enhanced diagramming, sharing, and organizing tools.
Emergency SOS: Live video sharing, new Calculator features, Weather app updates, dynamic wallpapers, and more.

Apple Intelligence: Coming Soon

Apple Intelligence will roll out over the next year, introducing AI-powered features like Writing Tools for proofreading, Priority Notifications, Genmoji for creating custom emojis, and an advanced Siri with improved contextual understanding.

iOS 18 Device Compatibility

iOS 18 is compatible with the following iPhone models:

iPhone XR
iPhone XS and XS Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)

Conclusion

With the public beta of iOS 18 now available, are you ready to explore its new features? Whether you’re eager to try out the revamped Control Center, the new Photos app, or the enhanced Messages experience, iOS 18 promises to elevate your iPhone experience. Let us know in the comments if you plan to download the beta or wait for the stable release in September.

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Explore the Exciting New Features in iOS 18 Public Beta

How to Install the iOS 18 Public Beta