Apple releases first iOS 18 beta

iPhone users can sign up via Apple's website using their Apple ID and download it to their device. However, according to9to5mac, they need to backup their data before downloading, as this version may not work stably.

The iOS 18 Public Beta has a bunch of improvements for iPhone users in the upgrade list. However, Apple Intelligence is not available on the two top-end iPhone models. Previously, Apple said this AI feature set would only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

Customize home screen

iOS 18 adds new ways for users to further personalize their iPhone home screen. They can place app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen grid, eliminating empty spaces and giving them full control over where icons and widgets appear.

iOS 18 also lets users "colorize" app icons and widgets on the home screen, by choosing any favorite color or using a new dark mode that turns most app icons on the home screen to a dark background.

New Features on Control Center

The Control Center has been overhauled, giving users full control over the layout for a more streamlined experience. With more pages, users can swipe through each page to quickly select the feature they want to use.

In addition, the Control Center also has a new application programming interface (API), allowing third parties to place quick access applications. For example, the Ford application can apply this API, providing some control function keys such as starting the car, opening the trunk, and users can just swipe the screen to use instead of accessing inside the application.

Customize lock screen

As part of the Control Center revamp, iOS 18 lets users customize the two controls on either side of the lock screen. In addition to providing pre-made options, Apple also allows third-party buttons. Additionally, all of these controls can also be assigned to the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

New Features in iMessages

Apple has added a number of customization features to iMessages, including new text effects that can be applied to individual words in a message. These options include big, small, wiggle, nod, explode, ripple, bloom, and jiggle. Users can also add formatting like bold, underline, italic, and strikethrough to any letter, word, or phrase in iMessage.

The Tapbacks system has been improved in iOS 18, so users can respond to messages with emojis or stickers. Additionally, users can also schedule messages to be sent instead of having to send them immediately like before.

RCS Support

iMessage adds support for RCS messaging with other platforms for the first time. RCS is an Internet-based mobile messaging protocol that is considered the modern industry standard for sending messages and calls between platforms, as well as transmitting media content such as emojis, videos, and photos.

Apple's use of RCS makes messaging between iPhone and Android more seamless and secure, supports better group chats, and sends high-quality photos and videos. It's seen as a feature that eliminates the green message issue of the past. However, RCS support will vary by carrier around the world.

iPhone Screen Mirroring

iPhone Mirroring is a feature that many users have been waiting for, especially those who use iPhone and Mac regularly. Now they can interact with iPhone on Mac, receive notifications or move files between both devices.

SharePlay

iOS 18 improves the screen sharing experience with SharePlay so users can draw on someone else's screen, or control their screen. This feature is considered useful for technicians or people who want to support others to do a certain job remotely.

New Photos app

Apple describes Photos on iOS 18 as the biggest update ever. The app interface is more intuitively arranged by topic, helping users quickly browse by categories such as Recent Days, People & Pets, Trips...

The search function has also been completely improved, users can search by a combination of people, places...

Password Management

After a long wait, Apple finally offers a dedicated password manager app called Passwords on iOS 18 as well as iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2, giving users easy access to all their passwords, passkeys, and other login information. It also stores wifi passwords.

New security features

On iOS 18, users can encrypt any app using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This means that no one can open the app without the device owner's authentication.

iOS 18 also supports hidden apps. When hidden, the app will no longer send notifications or any content until it is opened again. This app is located in the App Library and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to open.

Additionally, users can choose which contacts they want to share with an app instead of giving the app access to all their contacts. They can also pair Bluetooth accessories without letting the app know about other devices on the network. The Privacy and Security interface has also been redesigned to make it easier for users to manage the information they share with apps.