Apple Releases Public Betas for iOS 18, macOS, and More

You can now download the public betas for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18. Apple’s updated iPhone, iPad, and Mac operating systems will eventually include Apple Intelligence AI features and a better Siri — if you have the right device, that is. For now, the betas will bring less exciting but still useful features to the various Apple devices.

iOS 18: Key Updates and New Features

The public iOS 18 beta will bring with it key updates to the way the iPhone software works, including support for RCS messaging and new customization options that let users put apps wherever they want to on the home screen (finally!) or apply a tint to the icons and widgets. It also comes with a new layout for the Photos app, a redesigned, more customizable Control Center, and dark mode icons.

iPadOS 18: Improvements and Additions

Similar updates are in the iPadOS 18 public beta, which also brings a native Calculator app to the iPad. This is a long-awaited addition for many iPad users who have had to rely on third-party calculator apps for basic arithmetic needs. The iPadOS 18 beta continues to refine the multitasking experience with more fluid transitions and enhanced Split View and Slide Over functionalities.

macOS Sequoia: New Features for Macs

The macOS Sequoia public beta introduces several new features, including the ability to mirror your iPhone on your Mac screen. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to view their iPhone content on a larger display or use Mac-specific tools to interact with their phone’s apps. Other enhancements include improved Finder functionalities, a revamped System Settings interface, and better integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

watchOS 11: Health and Fitness Enhancements

The new watchOS 11 public beta introduces features like rest days and Apple’s Vitals app for glanceable details on your overnight health metrics. This new approach to fitness tracking is a welcome change for many users who felt that the previous versions were too demanding. The Vitals app provides a comprehensive overview of your health by tracking heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, and sleep duration.

tvOS 18: Enhanced Viewing Experience

The tvOS 18 beta includes the Amazon X-Ray-like InSight feature for Apple TV Plus content. This feature allows users to access additional information about the actors, crew, and other details of the content they are watching, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Apple Intelligence: Coming Soon

What iOS 18 won’t have yet is Apple Intelligence features. Apple is saving that for future software betas in the fall. These features will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max as well as M1 and up Macs and iPads. So far, Apple hasn’t announced Apple Intelligence for any of its other platforms, including the Apple Watch.

Important Considerations

One more thing to keep in mind: while you can roll back most of these devices to a stable, current version of their operating system, you can’t roll back the Apple Watch. You’ll have to wait for the stable version in the fall, so keep that in mind before you apply the beta to your Apple Watch. You can try out the public betas for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and others by enrolling in the Apple beta program. Check Apple’s website for each device’s installation instructions.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more updates on the latest in technology and software development.