Apple Releases iOS 18 Beta 4: New Features and Improvements

Apple Seeds Fourth Betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to Developers

Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the iOS 18/iPadOS 18 Developer Beta setting. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta. iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features that are built deeply into the operating system. Apple Intelligence won't be coming until later in the beta testing process, but it includes features for refining and editing writing, generating images and emoji, and most notably, improving Siri and search. Siri is gaining a better understanding of natural language, improved contextual awareness, and the personal assistant will integrate with ChatGPT to answer more complex queries. Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads with an M-series chip, but there are a number of other features that are coming. Apple is allowing users to rearrange Home screen apps to have open spaces, plus there's a dark mode for app icons and tinting options. The Control Center is customizable and third-party developers can add controls for their apps, with the Lock Screen Flashlight and Camera icons able to be replaced or removed. Messages is gaining Rich Communication Services support to improve conversations with Android users, the option to schedule texts to be sent later, new text effects, messages over satellite when there's no cellular, and the option to use any emoji for Tapback responses. There's a dedicated Passwords app for logins, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, and there's now an option to lock and hide apps, which means they can't be opened without secondary Face ID or Touch ID authentication even when your phone is unlocked. Safari has a highlights feature that summarizes articles and surfaces key information on websites, the Photos app interface has been overhauled, and there's a new Tap to Cash feature for privately and securely transferring money using Apple Cash. Other features include equation solving and voice memo transcription in Notes, a game mode for improving game performance, and an option to respond to Siri on AirPods with head gestures. iOS 18 is only available to registered developers at the current time, but Apple plans to make a public beta later this month. iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will see a public launch this fall.

Apple releases iOS 18 beta 4 to developers

To stabilize the experience before this fall's public launch, Apple has been testing pre-release builds of its upcoming OS updates with interested users. iOS 18 beta 4 is now available to those enrolled in Apple's developer program and should be available to public beta testers next week. While previous iOS 18 beta builds already introduced many of the announced features, there's still a lot to look forward to. We're currently testing the latest iOS 18 beta on an iPhone 15 Pro Max to uncover the new additions it brings. During WWDC24's opening keynote, the Cupertino firm said it would start testing Apple Intelligence when the public beta launches this summer. Since the first public beta became available last week, we can expect the company to start incorporating said AI goods at any moment. Once our testing concludes, we will confirm if Apple Intelligence or any other notable features are included in this build.

Apple's iOS 18: All about iPhone's latest software update

Apple released a public beta of its iOS 18 last week. We tested the latest version of the software from the iPhone, and here's what we think about the latest version of the software that soon hit iPhones later this year. We'll start with customisations. iOS 18 will welcome users with an updated control centre. And when you enter the new control centre, you will instantly notice that the single pull-down page is a thing of the past. The updated control centre comes with two new controls that can be moved around and set according to the user's preference. Additionally, there are two new pages that can be accessed by swiping up. These provide access to media playback options and a page dedicated entirely to network settings. The number of pages changes to include quick access to apps that have music playing in the background. What about widgets in iOS 18? iOS 18 will bring you the long-awaited ability to place app icons and widgets wherever you please. But there is an underlying grid to which icons snap, making it impossible to place an app icon in the centre of the screen. An edit button at top-left corner will allow you to customise icon size, toggle between dark and light modes for icon and widget packs and add tints. But the tint option may not go down well as it was difficult to find a tint colour that does not make the icons look either washed out or just a darker version of the chosen colour. Other minor changes include tweaks to the recently called screen and the display of power and volume buttons on the side of the bezels. iOS 18 will bring you the long-awaited ability to place app icons and widgets wherever you please. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement What has changed in Photos App? With this update, you can view images based on "Years, Months, and All". Also, the app will allow you to search for images based on descriptions within the application. During our test, we found the search function to work quite well with well-thought-out keywords. Images can be retrieved based on information such as when they were taken, location, a description of the subject, and names of individuals if users have previously added them within the app. What has changed in Password Manager? Apple is introducing a dedicated password manager app with iOS 18. The functionalities provided by the app are like those already existing within settings. However, it could be cumbersome to search for it. Now, the app, which can be unlocked using Face ID, stores all your passwords and passkeys, and provides information about passwords that may have appeared in data leaks or have been reused on multiple sites. Apple is introducing a dedicated password manager app with iOS 18. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement How notes app has changed? Math notes, a feature previously thought to be limited to the iPad, is also making its way to the iPhone. In Notes, you can simply write math equations, and as soon as you type in 'equals to' sign at the end, Notes will solve the equation for you and display the result in your own handwriting. This feature, though, is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models. Notes can be accessed within the Calculator app by tapping on the calculator in the bottom left corner, which also brings up the options to use a scientific calculator and convert currencies. What are the UI updates? Apple's iOS 18 also introduces some UI changes to how you can manage the size of buttons in the control centre. Additionally, the flashlight's range can now be adjusted for not just intensity but also width and focus. Apple's iOS brings in a refreshed design for the control centre. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Verdict Apple's latest iteration of iOS comes with some nifty updates. While some of the customisations may be hit or miss depending on user preference, the updated Calculator and new password manager make it worth the update. However, since Apple Intelligence (AI) features are yet to make it to the beta versions, we will discuss these in September when the AI is expected to be released along with the iPhone 16 series. How to Download iOS 18 Over the years, Apple has made it easier for its users to test beta versions of upcoming software. Users can opt into Apple's beta programme by navigating to Settings > Software Update > Beta Updates. Select the iOS 18 beta. Before updating the software, ensure you have backed up your data, as beta updates can have bugs that may cause data loss. Once the backup is complete, download and install the software. Read Comments

iOS 18 Top features and redesigned apps explored

If you like to learn more about the top features that will be included with the upcoming iOS 18 release in September. Brian Tong has been hands-on with the latest iOS from Apple to bring you the new features aimed at enhancing customization, privacy, and user experience. iOS 18 offers extensive home screen customization options. You can now move app icons freely, allowing for a more personalized layout. Adjust the size and appearance of app icons to suit your preferences. The introduction of light, dark, and automatic modes ensures that your home screen adapts to different lighting conditions seamlessly. Additionally, the innovative Color Picker feature lets you match app icons with your wallpaper, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look. The Control Center in iOS 18 is more customizable and feature-rich than ever before. You can rearrange the layout to prioritize the controls you use most frequently, making access to your favorite settings a breeze. Resize controls to fit your needs and integrate third-party app functionalities directly into the Control Center for seamless control. New features include: Lock screen customization has also seen significant improvements in iOS 18. You can now change wallpaper modes between light, dark, and automatic settings, allowing your lock screen to adapt to different environments effortlessly. Customize control icons on the lock screen to quickly access the features you use most often, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. These customization options give you greater control over your device's appearance and usability. Here are a selection of other articles from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on the subject of iOS 18 : Privacy remains a top priority in iOS 18, with several new features designed to keep your data secure. You can now lock individual apps using Face ID, adding an extra layer of security to your most sensitive information. The introduction of a hidden app section in the app library, accessible only via Face ID, allows you to keep certain apps out of sight, ensuring your privacy is maintained. These enhancements demonstrate Apple's commitment to user privacy and data protection. The Photos app has undergone a revamp in iOS 18, featuring a new layout that includes dedicated sections for memories, trips, and shared albums. An extra swipe is now required to access your full photo collection, making it easier to navigate through your cherished moments. These changes aim to provide a more organized and user-friendly experience, allowing you to relive your memories and share them with others effortlessly. The Messages app in iOS 18 introduces several exciting new features to enhance your communication experience. Visual Tapbacks offer more expressive responses, allowing you to react to messages with engaging animations. The text scheduling feature enables you to compose messages and set them to be sent at a later time, ensuring you never forget an important message again. RCS messaging support improves compatibility with other platforms, making cross-platform communication smoother than ever. Additionally, new text effects add a playful touch to your messages, bringing your conversations to life. iOS 18 includes important updates for accessibility, making the operating system more inclusive and user-friendly for individuals with diverse needs. Eye tracking support enables users with limited mobility to navigate their devices more easily, empowering them to interact with their iOS devices in new ways. Subtle animations for physical button presses provide visual feedback, enhancing the overall user experience for those with accessibility needs. These features demonstrate Apple's commitment to creating an operating system that caters to all users, regardless of their abilities. While iOS 18 brings many exciting features, it's important to note that some announced at WWDC 24, such as generative AI tools, are not yet available in the public beta. These highly anticipated features are expected to be released in future updates, further expanding the capabilities of iOS 18. Additionally, beta versions may have performance issues and bugs, so it's advisable not to install them on your primary device to avoid any potential disruptions to your daily use. iOS 18 public beta offers a range of new features that significantly enhance customization, privacy, and user experience. From the extensive home screen and lock screen customization options to the enhanced Control Center and privacy improvements, these updates are designed to make your iOS device more personal, secure, and intuitive. The changes to the Photos and Messages apps, along with the new accessibility features, further demonstrate Apple's commitment to providing a versatile and user-friendly operating system that caters to the needs of all users. As the public beta continues to evolve and more features are added, iOS 18 promises to be a significant step forward in the evolution of Apple's mobile operating system.

iOS 18 Public Beta 1 : first thoughts and features tested

If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming and highly anticipated release of the new Apple iOS 18 mobile operating system later this year. You might be interested in a guide created by Zollotech providing more insight into the features and usability of the newly released iOS 18 Public Beta 1. Apple iOS 18 Public Beta 1, update brings a wealth of new features, bug fixes, and performance optimizations to the table. This release aims to enhance the overall user experience by addressing previous issues and introducing fresh functionalities. While some users have praised the improvements, others have reported persistent problems, indicating that further refinements are necessary. iOS 18 Public Beta 1 comes packed with a range of notable features designed to elevate your iPhone experience: Apple has put significant effort into optimizing the system for smoother operation in iOS 18 Public Beta 1. However, despite these performance improvements, some stability issues persist. The re-release of iOS 18 Beta 3 and iOS 17.6 Beta 4 has been met with reports of occasional crashes and glitches, highlighting the need for further refinements to ensure a seamless user experience. Battery life and thermal performance have also been a focus of this update. Initial benchmark scores suggest improvements in these areas, but user feedback has been mixed. While some users have reported better battery longevity, others have noticed no significant change. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments will be crucial to address these concerns and deliver consistent battery performance across devices. Here are a selection of other articles from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on the subject of iOS 18 : Alongside the iOS 18 release, Apple finds itself embroiled in controversy surrounding its AI training practices. Accusations of using YouTube content without consent for AI training have raised ethical concerns and prompted Apple to clarify its position. This controversy underscores the importance of transparency and consent in the development of artificial intelligence technologies. In anticipation of the Summer Olympics, Apple has updated its Maps and TV apps to provide users with a more immersive experience. Apple Maps now offers detailed information about Olympic venues and events, while the TV app features a dedicated NBC Olympics Hub for comprehensive coverage and easy access to live streams and highlights. Apple's recent gaming showcase also demonstrates the company's commitment to elevating the gaming experience on iPhones. The introduction of a new game mode and the spotlight on several AAA titles hint at the potential for more high-quality games on the platform, which could attract a wider audience and boost user engagement. Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation with its recently secured patent for ranking Wi-Fi networks. This technology aims to identify and prioritize nearby networks based on strength and security, ultimately enhancing user connectivity and security. By guiding users towards more reliable connections, Apple seeks to improve the overall user experience. Another notable visual change in iOS 18 is the implementation of dark icons. Achieved through clever mathematical algorithms rather than AI, this feature has garnered positive feedback from users who appreciate the sleek and modern aesthetic it brings to their devices. As with any beta release, user feedback plays a vital role in shaping the final product. iOS 18 Public Beta 1 has received mixed reactions, with some users praising the new features and performance improvements while others have reported ongoing stability and battery life issues. Apple must carefully consider this feedback and work diligently to address these concerns in subsequent updates. The journey towards a refined and user-friendly iOS 18 is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and responsiveness to user needs. As Apple iterates on the beta releases, incorporating user feedback and addressing identified issues, the final release of iOS 18 holds the promise of delivering a robust, feature-rich, and highly optimized mobile operating system.

Apple iOS 18: Public release schedule, eligible iPhones, and new features

Apple has released iOS 18 in developer beta and the first public beta versions is out too. This roll out has been in line with the release schedule that Apple has followed over the year for introducing its new iPhone operating system. If Apple continues with this trend, the first stable public release for the iOS 18 could be released after the launch of the next generation iPhone series, which would likely take place sometime in September. According to a report by 9To5Mac, iOS 18 is expected to make its official debut in mid-to-late September, unless Apple decides a drastic change in their release schedule. The report stated that if Apple were to hold the iPhone 16 series launch event between September 9 to September 17, iOS 18 public release would likely roll out between September 16 to September 23. For reference, iOS 17 was released on September 18, 2023 after the iPhone 15-series launch event on September 12. Similarly, iOS 16 was publicly released on September 16, 2022 after the Apple fall event on September 7 that year. Apple is expected to follow a similar trend for releasing iOS 18 on eligible iPhone models. iOS 18: What's New Apple launched the next-generation iPhone operating system, the iOS 18, at the WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) this year. The highlight features of the iOS 18 has to be the artificial intelligence tools and features coming to iPhones that Apple collectively calls Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence brings system-wide AI capabilities such as writing assistance, summarisation, image generation and more. According to reports, Apple will only offer these AI capabilities as a preview with the initial iOS 18 release. It should also be noted that all eligible iPhones for iOS 18 will not get AI integration, rather the features will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro models alongside the anticipated iPhone 16 series devices. Another highlight feature of the iOS 18 is the AI-powered Siri. The updated version of Siri features an interactive interface with enhanced control over in-app actions for native Apple apps. Additionally, the AI-backed Siri also offers improved contextual understanding for more personalised responses. A significant feature is the integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT, allowing users to send queries or prompts directly to ChatGPT for assistance. The updated version of Siri is not expected to be the part of initial iOS 18 release, rather, Apple will reportedly roll-out the more powerful Siri in spring next year, likely as part of the iOS 18.4 system update. What the initial iOS 18 version would likely bring, is new Home Screen customisation features, allowing users to place icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen, and add tint to the app icons for a more personalised look. Additionally, iOS 18 will allow users to customise the two controls that appear on the iPhone Lock screen, customise Control Center layout, a revamped Photos app, new messaging features such as effects to individual words and RCS (Rich Communication Services) message support in select regions. iOS 18: Eligible iPhone models

iOS 18 update: iPhone users can now open apps without unlocking their devices

iOS 18 is poised to transform the user experience through the introduction of a variety of new features. iOS 18 is poised to transform the user experience through the introduction of a variety of new features. Among the significant enhancements is the capability to launch any application directly from the lock screen. This advancement is a component of Apple's continuous endeavors to enrich customization possibilities on their products. Also Read: Samsung Gulf Electronics launches Galaxy AI pop-up space at Mall of the Emirates Additionally, individuals will be able to secure particular apps with Face ID or a passcode, heightening security and privacy measures. Apple's choice to permit customization of lock screen shortcuts has enabled the capability to launch any app from the lock screen. At present, the shortcuts are configured to activate the flashlight on the left side and the camera on the right side. Nevertheless, in iOS 18, individuals have the option to substitute these with any desired app, thereby improving the overall user experience. Apple's choice to permit customization of lock screen shortcuts enables users to easily access any app directly from the lock screen. Along with this feature, iOS 18 provides the option to conceal apps from the home screen to enhance privacy. Users can also personalize their home screen by rearranging app icons or choosing a color scheme. The latest operating system includes a "Send Later" function for messages, enabling users to schedule the delivery time of their messages. iOS 18 will also support Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages, offering a major enhancement for iPhone users. The final version of iOS 18 is anticipated to launch in September. Nevertheless, daring users have the option to install the iOS 18 Public Beta at this time. This version is preferable to the Developer Beta since it is released after significant problems have been resolved by Apple. Users can access Settings > General > Software Update on their iPhone and adhere to the given instructions to install the iOS 18 Public Beta. Also Read: JBL, Apple, and more: Unbeatable deals on premium headphones and earbuds