Apple releases public betas for iOS 18, macOS 18, and more

Apple’s public betas for iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia are out, giving you a sneak peek at new designs and features.

by Oyinebiladou Omemu

Updated July 17, 2024

Apple released the first beta of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS, yesterday to public beta testers, bringing the new software to the general public for the first time since its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) in June.

If you're a public beta tester signed up for Apple's beta testing program, you can download the ‌iOS 18‌ and ‌iPadOS 18‌ updates by opening the Settings app, going to General, tapping into the Software Update section, and selecting the ‌iOS 18‌ Public Beta option. The beta software can be buggy so it’s best to install it on secondary devices or ensure you have a backup in case you need to revert to iOS 17.

The iOS 18 introduces Apple intelligence, bringing AI features, which will be integrated into the operating system. Although it is not available in the current beta, it has promised functionalities such as rewriting text, generating custom images, and providing a more sophisticated Siri. These features will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models and newer M-series iPads once they launch.

It also introduces some long-awaited customization options. App icons can be rearranged anywhere on the home screen and even applied to icons and widgets. The control center has also been revamped, you can pick and choose what you want to have front and center from the new Controls Gallery.

The Messages app supports scheduling texts, using any emoji for Tapback, and sending messages via satellite. You can add text effects to any word, phrase, or emoji, and use bold and italic formatting. Apple now supports RCS for texts with Android users.

Additionally, Safari can summarize webpages and show you important info at a glance, and a dedicated Passwords app is featured, making it easier to get to your saved passwords and logins, you can also now lock any app with Face ID or Touch ID.

Notably, most of these updates spill over into the iPadOS 18 and macOS 18. However, the biggest additions to the iPadOS 18 is the new native Calculator app along with enhanced multitasking features. On the other hand, MacOS Sequoia introduces some neat tricks too, like the ability to mirror your iPhone on your Mac screen.