Apple Releases Third Public Beta of iOS 18 and iPad 18

On August 6, 2024, Apple rolled out the third public betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, making new software accessible to the public. This release follows a week after the second public beta. 

Public beta testers enrolled in Apple’s beta testing program can download iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates through the Settings app by navigating to General > Software Update and selecting iOS 18 Public Beta option. 

Key Features of iOS 18: 

• Apple Intelligence: This suite of AI features, not fully available yet, includes tools for rewriting, polishing, proofreading, and summarizing text, as well as generating custom images with Image Playground and creating custom emojis with Genmoji. Siri is also receiving a complete overhaul. 

• Redesigned Home Screen: Users can rearrange app icons and widgets with open spaces, apply a tint option, and use new darker colors for Dark Mode. 

• Revamped Control Center: The new Controls Gallery allows for customization of control placements and sizes, and users can swap out Lock Screen icons and configure Control Center options for the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button. 

• Messages Enhancements: Features include scheduling texts, using any emoji for Tapback, sending messages via satellite, applying text effects, and formatting text. Support for RCS ensures better compatibility with Android users. 

• Safari Improvements: The browser now offers webpage summaries and important information at a glance.  The photos app has been redesigned to highlight top photos, and a new Password app simplifies access to saved passwords and logins. Apps can also be locked with Face ID or Touch ID. 

• Distraction Control: This new feature, available in the current beta, helps users hide distracting elements like popups on web pages. 

For a comprehensive overview of all new features in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, check out Apple’s detailed roundups.