Apple has issued a new iOS 18 beta and here is the information about the features which are new to the users and the changes made on this version. Although each is different, one can clearly see that Apple has this time turned a deaf ear to their customers as they have affected real changes to bugs people have complained about. In the section below, it is possible to learn about new additions or modifications that iOS 18 beta has undergone.

Home Screen Customization:

iOS 18 brings a major change to the look and feel of the Home Screen. You can put now the app icons and widgets in the panel according to your desired location, and it means that you do not have to align them according to the left-right and top-bottom direction as it has always been the practice before. Further, user can set app specific icon color to dark mode icons and other custom tint.

Control Center Redesign:

The Control Center has been revamped, allowing you to use multiple pages of controls. You can access these pages by swiping and holding from the top right corner. A new Controls Gallery lets you customize the interface freely with Apple-made and third-party options.

Lock Screen Changes:

You can now change your two on-screen shortcuts on the Lock Screen, which were previously fixed to the flashlight and camera. Additionally, you can customize the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro.

Privacy Features:

Apple has introduced several new privacy features in iOS 18. You can now lock an app behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a password, and hide information from on-device search. You can also conceal apps in a locked folder in the App Library. Furthermore, you can control which apps have access to your Contacts, and a new security-forward interface for connecting Bluetooth devices.

Messages App Updates:

The Messages app gets several new features, including:

• Tapbacks: You can now react with any emoji or sticker.
• Send Later: Schedule messages to send at a later time.
• Improved Formatting: Italicize, underline, bold, or strike-through messages.
• Text Effects: Add automated or manual text effects to make your messages more lively.
• Satellite Connectivity: Send messages via satellite on iPhone 14 and later models.

Mail App Updates:

The Mail app gets a new feature called on-device categorization, which automatically filters emails into categories like newsletters or sales receipts. A new summary view shows you all messages from a specific contact, giving you a high-level view of what you need to know.

Maps App Updates:

The Maps app gets topographic maps with walking routes, including offline access.

Wallet App Updates:

The Wallet app gets a new feature called Tap to Cash, which lets you send money by bringing your iPhone next to someone else’s. Apple Pay now works with loyalty points, and digital tickets have a refreshed look.

Photos App Redesign:

The Photos app gets a fresh new look, keeping your grid and library on the same screen. You can filter and navigate your photos with ease, and a new Collections view shows specific sets of photos with screenshots and other uninteresting images filtered out.

Game Mode:

iOS 18 introduces a new Game Mode, designed to minimize background activity and keep performance high. This mode also improves latency with controllers and wireless headphones.

Other Features:

Other notable features in iOS 18 include:

• Journal: A new Insights view shows stats, and a search function helps you find old entries.
• Siri: A more intelligent and capable Siri assistant.
• Apple Intelligence: A new AI-powered feature that integrates with various apps.

Availability:

The first beta of iOS 18 for developers can be downloaded starting from June 10, and the public beta version will be released sometime in July. Which are assumed to be released in September together with the launch of the full version of iOS 18.

Supported Devices:

iOS 18 supports all iPhones dating back to the iPhone XS and iPhone XR, including:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, iOS 18 beta has several big updates and changes: Home Screen, Control Center, Lock Screen, improved privacy features, Messages, Mail, Maps, Wallet, Photos, and more. Also, there is also new Game Mode, improved Siri, and the Apple Intelligence in iOS 18. As for the further release of the beta, the public beta is planned for July, and the full one – for September. iOS 18 supports iPhone devices starting from iPhone XS to the recent iPhone 15.

Personally, I have always looked forward to Apple making some changes after gaining insight into what its users are going through. The most interesting changes released with the new version are those related to Home Screen customization and privacy. On this note however, I am looking forward to experiencing how the new integrated Game Mode does impact the battery and its operational functionality. What feature or enhancement available in the future version, iOS 18, are you most excited to employ or experiment with?