Top 3 Key Points:
- Apple Intelligence: New AI features are integrated into iOS 18, improving Siri, search, and more.
- Device-Specific Updates: Advanced features are limited to iPhone 15 Pro and M-series iPads.
- Enhanced Customization: Control Center and Home screen layouts offer more personalized options.
Apple has just released the eighth beta version of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 for developers to test. This release comes a week after the seventh beta, giving developers another chance to explore the upcoming features.
To access these betas, developers need to go to the Settings app, select “Software Update,” tap on “Beta Updates,” and enable the iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 Developer Beta option. It’s important to note that only those with an Apple ID linked to a developer account can download and install these updates.
One of the most anticipated features in iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence. This AI-powered suite includes advanced tools for refining text, generating images and emojis, and significantly enhancing Siri’s capabilities. Siri will now have a better grasp of natural language and context, and it will even integrate with ChatGPT for more complex queries. However, Apple Intelligence is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads equipped with M-series chips.
Apart from Apple Intelligence, there are several other notable updates in iOS 18. Users can now customize their Home screen by leaving open spaces between apps. Additionally, there’s a new dark mode for app icons, and users can adjust the color tint of these icons to suit their preferences.
The Control Center has also been upgraded, allowing third-party developers to add custom controls for their apps. Users can now replace or remove the Flashlight and Camera icons from the Lock Screen. The Messages app has received enhancements as well, including support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) for better interactions with Android users, text scheduling, new text effects, satellite messaging when cellular service is unavailable, and the ability to use any emoji for Tapback responses.
iOS 18 introduces a dedicated Passwords app, which securely stores logins, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. Users can also lock and hide apps, requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication to access them even when the phone is unlocked.
Safari now features article highlights that summarize key information on websites. The Photos app interface has been redesigned, and there’s a new “Tap to Cash” feature that allows private and secure money transfers using Apple Cash. Additional features include equation solving and voice memo transcription in Notes, a game mode for improved performance, and a new option to interact with Siri on AirPods using head gestures.
Apple plans to release iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to the public this fall, bringing these exciting new features to a broader audience.
