Apple will roll out iOS 18 in September with its annual iPhone 16 Series. However, we have been hearing about what the upcoming iOS update will entail for a few months now. A few weeks ago, Apple started testing iOS 18 Beta with registered developers and the testing continued for around a month. This allows the brand to optimize its apps before the stable fall release. Now, that all the major bugs have been addressed, Apple has rolled out Public Beta 1, expanding its pre-release builds’ availability to non-developers/public. Via this program, anyone with an eligible iPhone can try these upcoming features with minimum risks.
Before we talk about all the features iOS 18 Beta 1 includes, let us talk about what the difference is between the Public and Developer Beta versions.
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Public Beta Vs Developer Beta
In the early stages, Apple releases the public beta a week after the developer beta gets rolled out. This allows developers ample time to come across any bugs and report them to get them rectified. When bugs are too big or serious, the company even rolls out revised versions for developers.
Apart from that, the developer betas are mostly similar to public betas. They have similar build numbers and functionality, so you will get all the features in public beta as well.
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iOS 18 New Features
1. Extensive Home Screen Customization Options
It is one of the biggest changes in the iOS 18 beta. iOS now allows the placing of app icons anywhere on the grid. There are new icon and widget tinting features as well. When editing the home screen, there is now an option to enlarge app icons and widgets. It hides app labels too for a cleaner look.
2. Revamped Control Center
Apple has historically limited users’ ability to customize the Control Center, allowing only the removal of small toggles. However, users are now being granted more control over this feature. It is now possible to empty the control center if desired, replace all toggles, and adjust their sizes. Users can also create multiple pages and customize them according to their needs, resembling Android’s Quick Settings menu.
3. New Lock Screen
The Lock Screen in Ios 18 Beta 1 now offers the option to remove or replace camera and flashlight toggles. Users can also customize the layout and adjust the beam’s radius for the first time.
4. Changed Photos App
Apple has rebuilt the Photos app from scratch and disrupted its intuitive UX in the process. As a result, the user will need time to get accustomed to where things are. The new UX is cleaner and some decent additions have been made to the Photos app. Photos have rounded corners which looks futuristic. The biggest update will be an AI-powered clean-up tool that will be a part of Apple Intelligence later this year.
5. Messages app
The Messages app has also been boosted. The new features include scheduling messages, reacting to text with any emoji, and more. Some text formatting options have also been added beyond the basics. The users can bold, italicize, strikethrough, and underline the text using some special effects.
6. Passwords App
Apple has now bundled all passwords into one app. Through this app, users can now filter through their passkeys, WiFi password accounts with 2FA enabled, and more. It can also generate QR codes saved for WiFi networks that other smartphone users can scan to join.
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7. Voice Memos
An example of this is the ability to view a real-time transcription of your speech while recording audio in the Voice Memos app. Additionally, you have the option to record audio and access the transcript within the Notes app. Furthermore, iPhones will offer call recording functionality along with live transcription support.
8. Calendars & Reminders
The two applications have been updated as well. Their databases are now connected. When you input a date/time for a reminder, it will appear in both the Calendar app and the widget. This allows you to see your entire day, week, and month all within one application.
How to Install iOS 18 Public Beta 1
- Enroll to become a part of the Public Beta Program by signing in with an existing Apple account and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
- Launch ‘Settings’ on your iPhone.
- Go to ‘General’ then ‘Software Update’ and then the Beta Updates option.
- Choose the iOS 18 Public Beta option.
- Go back to the previous settings page and wait for the update to appear.
- Tap on the Download and Install button.
- Connect your iPhone to an energy source till it finishes installing the beta update.
Note- iOS 18 Public Betas include bugs, glitches, and various inconsistencies. They are safer than developer versions, but still unpredictable pre-release builds. If you don’t mind being associated with risks, you can download and install iOS 18 Public Beta 1 on eligible iPhones by following the steps above.
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