Apple unveiled iOS 18 during its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with the public beta version becoming available on July 15, over a month after WWDC. The update introduces numerous new features and enhancements for both developers and public beta testers using iPhones, such as the option to personalize the home screen and enhancements to apps like Messages.
I’ve been testing out the iOS 18 beta on my iPhone XR since WWDC. While I haven’t accessed all the new features Apple announced, such as Apple Intelligence, I’ve explored many of the latest features and discovered a few surprises that the company didn’t mention.
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple is empowering users with more customization options for their devices and appearances. If you’re eager to try out the latest features, you can download the iOS 18 public beta now. We suggest installing the beta on a secondary device rather than your primary iPhone, as it may still have some bugs and potentially impact battery life.
Keep in mind that the beta version is not the final release of iOS 18, so more features could be added when it officially launches in the fall, although a specific date has not been confirmed yet.
If you can’t wait until the fall, here’s a breakdown of many of the new features in the iOS 18 beta version and how to utilize them:
Home screen customization:
– The ability to customize your home screen by rearranging app icons and choosing different sizes, colors, and styles for icons.
– You can turn app icons into widgets and resize them for a personalized look.
Lock screen app customization:
– The ability to customize the lock screen by removing or changing shortcuts like the camera and flashlight icons.
Revamped Control Center:
– Customizable Control Center with the option to resize and rearrange controls, add new controls, and even turn apps into controls for quick access.
Hidden and locked apps:
– You can hide and lock apps to prevent unauthorized access, with the option to require Face ID or a passcode for certain apps.
Send Later, Text Effects, and more upgrades in Messages:
– Schedule messages to send later, enjoy new text effects, additional Tapbacks, and more features in the Messages app.
Overall, iOS 18 offers a range of exciting new features and enhancements that give users more control over their devices and how they interact with them. Try out the iOS 18 public beta to experience these updates firsthand.