Apple has released the iOS 18 public beta, now available for download as scheduled. Announced at WWDC 2024 on June 10, the developer beta launched simultaneously. While developers and adventurous users have had early access to the latest iPhone software, it is now open to everyone with a compatible device.
iOS 18 is packed with features, offering extensive customisation options, including the ability to freely arrange apps and widgets on the Home Screen. This update also includes a major redesign of the Photos app, call recording capabilities, and new text effects in iMessage.
A significant highlight of iOS 18 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple Intelligence leverages generative models and personal context to understand and generate language and images, automate actions across apps, and enhance daily tasks. This system is deeply integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. Public betas for iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia (along with watchOS 11 and tvOS 18) are also rolling out simultaneously. However, Apple Intelligence features will not be available immediately and are expected to be released later this fall.
This release marks one of the most feature-loaded updates in recent memory, significantly enhancing user experience and functionality across Apple devices.
iOS 18 public beta availability
The iOS 18 public beta is now available through the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com. To access it, simply sign in with your Apple ID, ensuring it matches the one on the iPhone you plan to install the beta on, and you’re ready to go.
iOS 18: Check if your iPhone will get it
The iOS 18 update is available for the following iPhones: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).
iOS 18: Top features to watch out for
Apple’s iOS 18 brings a wave of customisability and convenience to users. The Home Screen now allows apps and widgets to be freely arranged, even above the dock. Icons and widgets feature a sleek Dark mode and customisable tints, or users can opt for iOS-suggested colours to match their wallpaper. Sizes can be adjusted for convenience.
The redesigned Control Centre offers streamlined access to daily functions with new customisation options. Users can group frequently used controls or add new ones from a gallery, including third-party app controls, and resize them as needed. For the first time, controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen can be switched or removed.
The Photos app now has a simplified single view with a familiar grid and new “Collections” for themes like Recent Days, Trips, and People & Pets. Collections can be pinned for easy access, and a new Carousel view presents daily highlights in a poster-like format.
The Messages app supports RCS messaging with non-Apple devices. Additionally, iOS 18 introduces live call recording and transcription directly from the Phone app, enhanced call history search, smarter dialing options, and seamless SIM card switching.
