Apple is gearing up to launch iOS 18, the next major mobile operating system update for the iPhone, alongside the debut of the iPhone 16.
Since its initial announcement at the WWDC 2024 in June, Apple has been rapidly rolling out iOS 18 beta versions to both developers and the public to showcase significant changes and provide a preview of the upcoming features in iOS 18.
Demonstrating its accelerated development pace, the company released three new versions of iOS 18 simultaneously on August 13 for users to download. These versions include iOS 18.1 beta 2 (developer), iOS 18 beta 4 (public), and iOS 18 beta 6 (developer).
Of these, iOS 18.1 beta 2 stands out as the version with the most significant new features. After the release of iOS 18.1 beta 1, users gained insight into the capabilities of Apple Intelligence, specifically what Apple’s artificial intelligence can provide in the early stages of iOS 18. The launch of iOS 18.1 beta 2 introduces the eagerly anticipated changes.
With this release, Apple has removed the Carousel feature from the Photos app, which had received substantial criticism. This change aims to enhance the user experience before the final version is made available to all iPhone users. Additionally, iOS 18.1 beta 2 includes a new Distraction Control feature in the Safari browser, offering a cleaner and simpler browsing experience. This feature was initially introduced in iOS 18’s third public beta (and fifth for developers) and is now accessible to iOS 18.1 beta 2 users.
On the other hand, the latest public beta of iOS 18 (beta 4) brings two prominent changes, which involve the addition of independent Bluetooth controls in the Control Center and a revamp of the Apple Music Explore tab, renamed to New, along with a rearrangement of its contents.
Regarding iOS 18 beta 6 for developers, this version incorporates stability improvements and introduces different sizes for the Bluetooth button in the Control Center.
Users have the option to update to the latest beta version available for their iPhone by navigating to the Settings > General > Software Update menu. Users should avoid using the iOS developer beta version, as it is primarily intended for individuals specializing in application and software development, which could lead to encountering more operational issues.