Apple has launched the first public beta versions of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, making the latest features available for all users with compatible iPhones and iPads.
This release follows three developer beta versions and allows the public to experience the updates ahead of their official fall release. To access these updates, users need to register on Apple’s beta website, after which the beta updates can be downloaded via the system settings.
iOS 18 is compatible with iPhone models starting from the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xr, and the second generation of iPhone SE onwards. iPadOS 18 is available for the iPad Pro from 2018, the third generation iPad, the fifth generation iPad Mini, the seventh generation iPad, and newer models.
One of the significant updates includes Apple Intelligence, though its AI features are currently unavailable in Europe. Despite this, European users can still explore the new personalization options offered in the update.
One notable feature in iOS 18 is the flexibility in arranging apps on the home screen. Users can now place app icons anywhere, change their colors, enlarge them, and lock them with Face ID or Touch ID. Additionally, the Control Center now supports multiple pages, which can be customized by the user.
New functionalities introduced in iOS 18 include the ability to send text messages via satellite on iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. Apple has also added a dedicated Passwords app, a topographical view in Apple Maps, and a Game Mode to enhance gaming performance. Detailed information about all the new features can be found on the official iOS 18 preview website.
With the update to iPadOS 18, iPads gain several enhancements including an official Calculator app and an improved Notes app that can solve handwritten formulas. The new home screen and Control Center options from iOS 18 are also available on iPad, along with the Game Mode and Passwords app. For further details, users can visit Apple’s website dedicated to iPadOS 18.