“Exploring iOS 18 Public Beta: New Features, T9 Dialing, and Customization Galore”

second public beta of iOS 18, released on July 29, 2024, is bringing several new features that are getting users excited, including advanced customization options and the return of T9 dialing. Announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, iOS 18 has been in the hands of developers and beta testers, offering a sneak peek into what’s coming when the final version drops this fall.

 

Key Features of iOS 18 Public Beta 

1. Customization Enhancements: 

• Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center: The update introduces even more ways to personalize the areas, allowing users to create a more tailored experience. 

2. T9 Dialing: 

• What is T9? T9 (Text on 9 keys) was a popular predictive text input method used on older mobile phones before full keyboards became standard. It allowed users to type by pressing fewer keys, predicting the word they intended to type based on a sequence of numbers pressed. 

• Using T9 in iOS 18: To use T9 dialing on your iPhone with iOS 18, open the Call app, tap on Keypad, and start typing the name of the contact using the corresponding number keys. For example, to call “Dad,” you’d type 3-2-3, and contact should appear at the top of your screen. This feature is a nod to nostalgia and a handy tool for quick dialing. 

3. Beta Testing Advice: 

• It’s recommended to install beta on a secondary device due to potential bugs and battery issues. This advice is crucial, as beta versions are not final and may contain unforeseen issues. 

Final Release and Additional Features 

While beta gives a good idea of what to expect, the final version of iOS 18, set for release this fall, might include even more features. As always, Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience is evident in both functional improvements and playful, engaging design elements seen in this update. 

For those interested in trying out the beta, it offers a glimpse into the future of iOS, but with the usual caveat of potential instability. Keep an eye out for more updates as the official release date approaches!