Apple has released a beta version of iOS 18, its latest operating system for iPhones and other devices, for some consumers and developers to test. The new operating system includes more customization options and a redesigned Photos app.
The preview, released Monday, gives the public a sneak peek at the software ahead of its official debut this fall. But those who try out the software won’t have immediate access to all of its expected features, such as Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence offering that was unveiled last month at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
To access the iOS 18 beta software, you’ll first need to sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program. Then, go to “Settings” on your device and from there, click on “General.” After that, click on “Software Update” to download the beta program.
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One important thing to keep in mind is that since beta programs are still in development, early users may encounter bugs or glitches.
Here are five new iOS 18 features available in the beta.
Customize your home screen
Currently, iPhone users can customize their home screens with different wallpapers, including their own photos. However, apps on the home screen can hide these photos. iOS 18 lets you move your apps to the top, sides, and bottom of the screen, right above the dock, to better view your wallpaper photo.
You can also change the color of app icons and adjust their hue as well.
“There are so many ways to make your Home screen truly yours,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, at Apple’s WWDC 24.
The new operating system also makes the iPhone’s control center more customizable.
For example, users can swipe down from the top right corner of the device screen to view different types of controls in one continuous motion, and they can also enlarge frequently used control buttons.
Hide your apps from others
Don’t want a friend to know you’re using an app to track your hair loss? New privacy features let you effectively hide certain apps from other people when you hand them your phone to, say, look at a photo.
You can lock an app so others can’t access its data and content, or hide it completely from your home screen in a hidden and locked apps folder.
Text backspace with emojis
Currently, iPhone users can respond to a text by long-pressing on it and reacting with a small number of icons, such as a thumbs up or a heart, for example. With iOS 18, users will have more options for these so-called “tapbacks,” allowing them to use emojis or stickers as reactions.
You’ll now also be able to schedule messages, such as a birthday wish, to be sent on a date you choose, similar to scheduling emails to be sent on specific days or times.
Within messages, you can also make text bold, italic, strikethrough, or underlined to draw the recipient’s attention to certain words.
iOS 18 will also enable satellite messaging, so iPhone users will be able to send messages when they don’t have Wi-Fi or cellular service.
A cleaner inbox
New features are also being added to the email app, which will sort users’ emails into four sections:
- A main inbox
- A transaction inbox for receipts and order confirmations
- A section for newsletters and social media announcements.
- And a promotions tab for marketing and sales emails.
Redesign of the photos application
Apple is also promoting an overhaul of its Photos app that lets users browse their photos in a single view, with a grid of photos at the top of the screen and a library at the bottom that’s organized by topic, such as people, favorite memories or travel.
The new Photos app will also allow users to filter screenshots so they can’t be seen.
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Megan Cerullo
Keynote USA News
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