Apple unveiled iOS 18 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, and just over two months later, the company released the fifth public beta version of the software on Aug. 20. This update introduces numerous new features and enhancements for both developers and public beta testers using iPhones, such as the ability to personalize the home screen and lock screen, as well as RCS messaging.
I have been using the iOS 18 beta on my iPhone XR since WWDC. While I don’t have access to all the new features Apple showcased at WWDC, such as Apple Intelligence, I have been able to explore many of the latest features and even discovered a few that the company didn’t announce.
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple is empowering users to have more control over how they use their devices and how their devices appear. If you’re eager to try out the latest features, you can download the iOS 18 public beta now.
I suggest installing the beta on a device other than your primary iPhone. Since this isn’t the final version of iOS 18, there may be bugs and potential battery life issues. It’s best to experience these potential challenges on a secondary device.
Keep in mind that the beta version is not the final iteration of iOS 18, so there could be additional features coming to your iPhone when the software is officially released in the fall. While an exact release date has not been confirmed yet, if you’re eager to explore the new features, here’s a rundown of what iOS 18 has to offer in the beta version and how to make the most of them.