iOS 18 has entered the public beta phase, offering more customization options for iPhone users, though the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence feature is notably absent. This latest update enhances several native apps such as Photos, Messages, and Notes, but the promised features of Apple Intelligence, including advanced emoji creation, will not be available in this beta release. For now, users can explore other improvements while waiting for the full rollout of these features.
To access the iOS 18 preview, users need to enroll via Apple’s website, which will then push the beta version to their iPhone’s Software Update section. It’s crucial to back up the device and ensure compatibility, as iOS 18 supports iPhone XS and XR models from 2018 and newer. This precaution helps prevent data loss and ensures a smooth transition to the new software.
iOS 18 introduces further customization options beyond the current app folders and widgets. Users can now tweak the appearance of the Dark Mode by adjusting the tint of app icons to match their chosen color scheme or the iPhone’s wallpaper. This feature mirrors Google’s Material You from Android, allowing for a more personalized and visually cohesive experience.
The update also permits slight increases in app icon size without affecting the number of icons per screen. This change, however, removes text labels, requiring users to recognize apps by their icons alone. Additionally, users can now position icons outside of the traditional grid layout, offering more flexibility in arranging their home screens.
Security enhancements in iOS 18 include two new ways to manage app privacy. Users can now lock apps with FaceID, which prevents their contents from appearing elsewhere on the device, or hide them in a secure folder accessible only through FaceID. This feature is particularly useful for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining privacy.
The control panel and settings dropdown have also been revamped. Apple has introduced a dedicated control gallery that organizes smart home shortcuts, timers, and other functions into four tabs. Users can access all controls in a single scroll or navigate specific sections directly, with the ability to resize and prioritize frequently used features.
Messages now support RCS (Rich Communication Services), which enhances cross-platform messaging with features like rich media support, larger file attachments, and Wi-Fi messaging. Although not as comprehensive as iMessage or WhatsApp, RCS offers practical improvements for users with mixed-device contacts. The update also includes message scheduling and new text formatting options for added expressiveness.
Photos app improvements focus on streamlining photo management by eliminating old tabs and introducing curated content views. This redesign aims to make photo browsing more intuitive, though opinions may vary based on individual photo organization habits. Apple Intelligence will eventually add features like Cleanup for removing unwanted objects from photos, but this is not yet available in the beta.
The Notes app and Safari have also seen enhancements in iOS 18, including transcription features and collapsible subheadings in Notes, as well as a new Passwords app for easier access to iCloud passwords.
Smart home features are also expanded with express mode for automatic unlocking and guest access controls. Although the public beta is stable, the absence of Apple Intelligence leaves a gap in experiencing the full potential of iOS 18.