Apple's public beta of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 introduces hundreds of new features to the iPhone and iPad
Following three developer betas, the first public beta version of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 is now available. To install the updates for free, users must first register on Apple's beta website, after which beta updates can be downloaded directly via the system settings.
iOS 18 is compatible with all iPhones from the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xr and iPhone SE of the second generation onwards. iPadOS 18 runs on the iPad Pro from 2018, the iPad of the third generation, the iPad Mini of the fifth generation, the iPad of the seventh generation and all newer models. While the highlight of the update is undoubtedly Apple Intelligence, the AI features are not available in Europe until further notice. Nevertheless, EU users can try out the new personalization options.
Apps can now be placed anywhere on the home screen instead of in a grid from top left to bottom right. Icons can be recolored and enlarged, and can be locked so that authentication with Face ID or Touch ID is required to open them. The Control Center has several pages that users can scroll through and the content of which can also be freely configured.
iOS 18 allows text messages to be sent via satellite with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. Moreover, Apple is introducing a dedicated Passwords app, Apple Maps gets a topographical view and Game Mode is designed to improve gaming performance. An overview of all new features can be found on the the official iOS 18 preview website.
Via the update to iPadOS 18, the Apple iPad finally gets an official Calculator app, and the Notes app can now solve handwritten formulas. The new options for the home screen and the control center are also available on the iPad, as are Game Mode and the Passwords app. More information about iPadOS 18 is also available directly at Apple.
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