The public beta of iOS 18 is out - here are 9 features that will improve your iPhone

Apple has released the public beta version of iOS 18 after a month of exclusive developer testing. We've compiled the top new features that can enhance your iPhone (spoiler: no artificial intelligence yet).

1. Customization of the main screen

In iOS 18, users will be able to place program icons in any order on the main screen (yes, progress has finally reached Apple). Other additional customization options include changing the color palette of the entire screen, as well as changing the sizes of app icons.

2. New Control Center

The Control Center in iOS 18 will receive new panels, additional controls, and the ability to customize them in a dropdown menu (example in the image below).

There will be three panels available for managing connections, media, and smart home devices.

Also, for the first time, third-party apps can be installed in the Control Center.

3. Apple Photos Update

Apple Photos in iOS 18 will get a new design — including a grid for viewing by months and years. New collections will be able to automatically select images on common themes, such as pets or children.

The app can also organize your own folders based on written descriptions and offer new security features. In the future, the iPhone gallery will also have a folder for lost photos.

4. New features for Notes

One of the most noticeable new features for Notes is Math Notes, which will allow you to enter or draw a mathematical formula and solve it immediately.

Notes will also introduce voice reminders with the ability to transcribe and save spoken words in real time. Other new features include collapsible sections for better organization and the ability to color and highlight text.

5. RCS and other iMessage features

You asked for it, they did it. Apple has finally added RCS messages to the iPhone, providing better and more secure communication with Android phones and smartphones from other manufacturers (including increased character limits, group chats, improved file exchange, and more).

Other new iMessage features include new quick reactions, additional text formatting options, and the ability to schedule message delivery in the future.

6. Safari Highlights

Not artificial intelligence yet, but something similar. Safari will get Highlights — a summarization tool capable of identifying key information on a page and moving it to a pop-up window that can be read while browsing.

7. Topographic Maps in Apple Maps

Apple Maps won't receive a major update with iOS 18, but they will add a feature that outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate. Topographic maps will display trails and other non-primary paths with full step-by-step navigation.

8. New Password Manager

Apple's iCloud Keychain has been storing passwords for years, but getting direct access to them was a bit challenging — Password will simplify all this. The app will also warn about weak or compromised passwords, store access keys, Wi-Fi information, and even two-factor authentication codes.

This is what Apple has been lacking for a long time, forcing users to rely on options from third-party developers, such as Google.

9. Hidden Apps

iOS 18 will allow you to create a folder with hidden apps protected by Face ID or Touch ID (useful for banking apps or messengers, for example).

Any locked and hidden apps will not send notifications, will not appear in Spotlight suggestions or Siri suggestions, or anything else that could reveal their content.

Which devices support iOS 18?

• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, Pro, Pro Max
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, Pro, Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, Pro, Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, Pro, Pro Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, Pro Max
• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or newer)

How to install the public beta version of iOS 18?

• First, make sure you have at least iOS/iPadOS 16.4 by going to "Settings" > "General" > "About" and checking the iOS version.
• You will need to be registered in the Apple Beta Software Program. Go to the link and click "Sign Up" – be sure to use the same Apple ID as the device on which you want to run the beta version. After registration, you can click on the tab for the OS beta version you want to run (in this case 18) and you will see details on how to do it.
• Next, you will need to run the update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, click the new Beta Updates option, and select the public beta version of iOS 18 (or the public beta version of iPadOS 18).
• Then go back to the previous screen and click "Update Now" (or "Update Tonight" if you want to wait).

Source: Toms Guide, The Verge