iOS 18 Beta 1 Review - What's New?

Introduction

The iOS 18 Beta 1 has been released and in this article, we will take a closer look at the new features and improvements it brings. Please note that this is a developer beta, and the public beta will be available in July. Certain iPhones will lose support this year, so make sure you have a compatible device. Let's dive into the update and see if it's something that excites you.

Size and Compatibility

The iOS 18 developer beta 1 has a size of 7.11 GB, so you will need sufficient space on your iPhone to download it. The public beta will be available in July and requires an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later. The oldest larger screen iPhone supported is the iPhone XR.

Wallpapers

iOS 18 brings multiple new wallpapers to choose from. You can customize your home screen with different wallpapers, including one that matches the iOS 18 icon.

Control Center

The Control Center has been redesigned and now allows you to add controls directly from the Control Center itself. You can customize and arrange the controls to suit your preferences. It also introduces the ability to power off your iPhone from the top corner of the screen.

Home Screen Customization

iOS 18 offers enhanced home screen customization options. You can now move icons anywhere on the screen, providing more flexibility in organizing your apps. The Control Center also allows for more customization, like changing the tint color and adding accessibility features.

Calculator

The Apple Calculator app now includes a history feature, allowing you to track and review past calculations. It also offers a scientific mode and a newly redesigned interface.

Messages

iOS 18 improves the Messages app with new features. It introduces RCS compatibility, enabling you to message Android devices and see typing indicators. Additionally, you can now use any emoji as a tapback in your messages, enhancing your messaging experience. Other features include scheduled messages, improved search, and the ability to send messages via satellite.

Photos

The Photos app receives significant upgrades in iOS 18. It features a new tab bar that organizes photos based on months and years. You can filter photos by type, such as screenshots or videos. The app also introduces intelligent categorization, allowing you to search specific days or trips. Additionally, there is a cleanup feature to remove unwanted elements from photos, and an improved photo gallery experience.

Apple Intelligence

iOS 18 integrates AI features across various apps. While some features may not be available in the initial beta release, future updates will bring new Siri animations, customizable AI-based images and messages, grammar enhancement, image recognition in Apple's Notes app, and more.

Other Improvements

iOS 18 includes several other enhancements, such as improved battery life for gaming, topographic hiking trails in Apple Maps, an updated Wallet app with better event pages and seating charts, an all-new Passwords app for secure password management, and more.

Overall, iOS 18 Beta 1 brings a polished upgrade to the iOS experience. While it may not introduce a complete redesign, it offers valuable improvements in customization, organization, and AI integration. The update is expected to enhance privacy, security, and user experience.

Introduction

Introduction

Q: When will the public beta of iOS 18 be available?
A: The public beta of iOS 18 is expected to be available in July.

Q: Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 18?
A: iOS 18 requires an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later. The oldest larger screen iPhone supported is the iPhone XR.

Q: Are there any new features in the Control Center?
A: Yes, the Control Center has been redesigned and now allows for more customization. You can add controls directly from the Control Center and arrange them to your liking.

Q: Can I customize my home screen in iOS 18?
A: Yes, iOS 18 offers enhanced home screen customization options. You can move icons anywhere on the screen, change the tint color, and add accessibility features.