iOS 18 Beta
Apple is set to release it’s latest version of iOS, iOS 18 in September. Meanwhile, iOS 18 Beta version is out for the public to test and provide feedback. Those users who register in the beta program will receive the beta update over-the-air on their devices.
I have recently upgraded my iPhone to iOS 18’s beta version to get a glimpse of what’s coming and have really liked some of it’s features. I am writing about the features I liked the most.
iOS 18 Beta:
Redesigned control centre
Perhaps it is one of my most favourite updates to iOS. The redesigned control centre has multiple scrollable screens with different controls. I have really found it to be useful in effectively organising the controls for my iPhone. Moreover, I can resize any control icon to different sizes according to my preference. Some controls like the flashlight has redesigned animations which I really liked.
Dark themed app icons
The dark themed app icons look amazing in dark mode. I have always wanted to have a matching app icon for my dark theme background image and now with iOS 18, its possible. I am amazed at how beautiful some dark themed icons look on iOS 18 e.g. the clock app. But I think there’s scope of improvement while rendering third party apps.
The passwords app
iOS 18 has a native password manager app. This is good as now we do not need to rely on third party password managers. Also, I can safely keep my passkeys here so logging in to apps are made so easy. It not only keeps the passwords but also organises them for easy access to the user when required.
Locking apps with FaceID
With iOS 18, it’s possible to lock any app with FaceID. Earlier, we were only able to lock some selected apps like WhatsApp, but with iOS 18, we can lock any app with FaceID. It is quite helpful to prevent people from peeping into apps we don’t want them to.
Redesigned calculator app
The redesigned calculator app is one of my most favourite apps of iOS 18 update. Now, there are two modes- basic and scientific. Apart from these, there is also currency conversion available now on the app.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the app is maths notes. As demonstrated in the WWDC, you can just write equations and it will solve it with the help of graphs. I found it quite interesting after using it and it will be so helpful for everyone especially school going kids learning math. Well, this is also the first time the calculator app will debut on iPads. It will be quite interesting to see how people put its capabilities to use.
Lockscreen buttons
Till now, we only had the flashlight and the camera buttons on the lockscreen. With iOS 18, you can choose those buttons from many options. Its one more step towards customisability of the iPhone lockscreen.
Apart from these, there are also changes to the Messages app. Many new features are added in the iMessage service, but as I don’t use it much, I won’t be able to discuss about it now. Did I miss any interesting feature? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
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