20 More iOS 18 Features Revealed

Apple’s iOS 18 beta 2 introduces a wealth of new features and improvements, further improving the user experience and expanding the capabilities of Apple’s mobile operating system. With over 20 significant updates, this beta focuses on improving customization options, functionality, and overall usability across various aspects of iOS. In the video below from Zollotech, we take a deep dive into the key features of iOS 18 beta 2.

Improved home screen customization

One of the standout features in iOS 18 Beta 2 is the improved contrast for shaded apps and updated icons designed specifically for Dark Mode. These improvements are designed to improve visibility and create a more consistent visual experience when using the Dark Mode theme. The increased contrast ensures that app icons and UI elements remain easily distinguishable, while the updated icons blend seamlessly with the dark background for a polished and aesthetically pleasing look.

Extended widget functionality

iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces a new, partially functional “Connect Cards” widget for the Wallet app. This widget offers quick and convenient access to your cards, allowing you to view and manage them right from the home screen. While the Connect Cards widget is not fully functional in this beta, it shows Apple’s commitment to improving the usability of the Wallet app and providing users with more efficient ways to interact with their digital payment methods.

Keyboard improvements for better usability

The keyboard in iOS 18 Beta 2 is getting some significant improvements. Users now have the option to turn off automatic math results, preventing unwanted calculations from appearing while typing. This feature is especially useful for those who often enter numbers or equations but prefer to do the calculations by hand. Additionally, iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces support for bilingual typing, allowing users to seamlessly switch between multiple languages ​​without having to manually select a language. This improvement greatly benefits multilingual users and helps them communicate more effectively.

Improved privacy and security in the Photos app

iOS 18 Beta 2 brings improved security features to the Photos app, especially for hidden and recently deleted albums. These improvements ensure that your private photos remain protected and safe. With an additional layer of privacy, you can rest assured that your personal photos are protected from unauthorized access. This update demonstrates Apple’s continued commitment to protecting user privacy and data.

Screen mirroring with improved camera control

When using screen mirroring on macOS Sequoia 15, iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces camera usage restrictions. This feature prevents unauthorized access to your device’s camera during screen sharing, increasing privacy and security during screen mirroring sessions. By default, camera access is restricted, giving you control over when and how your camera is used during screen sharing.

Optimized Safari performance

Safari, Apple’s native web browser, is getting a performance boost in iOS 18 Beta 2. Users now have the option to prefer page rendering updates near 60 fps, resulting in smoother scrolling and a more responsive browsing experience. This improvement optimizes Safari’s rendering engine, providing faster page loads and better overall performance. Whether you’re browsing content-rich sites or navigating multiple tabs, the increased frame rate ensures a smooth and seamless browsing experience.

Improved Apple Pay with Tap to Cash

iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces a convenient new feature called “Tap to Cash” for Apple Pay. This functionality allows you to make direct payments, streamlining the transaction process and making it faster and more efficient. With Tap to Cash, you can easily send and receive money without having to go through additional steps or go through intermediaries. This feature increases the versatility of Apple Pay and provides users with a seamless payment experience.

Enhanced accessibility features

iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces new accessibility features to make the operating system more usable for all users. The introduction of “Music Haptics” provides haptic feedback when listening to music, adding a new dimension to the audio experience. Additionally, enhanced voice isolation improves dialogue clarity during video playback, making it easier to understand and follow conversations in movies. These accessibility improvements demonstrate Apple’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that iOS is accessible to a wide range of users with diverse needs.

Improved podcast experience

For podcast enthusiasts, iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces chapter markers and topic displays during playback. This feature allows users to easily navigate podcast episodes and quickly identify specific sections or topics of interest. Chapter markers let you jump to the parts of an episode you want, while topic displays provide a visual indication of the current discussion point. These improvements significantly improve the podcast listening experience, making it more engaging and informative.

Integrated password management

Passwords in iOS 18 Beta 2 now offers the ability to create and manage passwords directly in the app. This integrated approach simplifies password management by eliminating the need for external password managers. With this update, you can generate strong, unique passwords and store them securely in Passwords. The app also provides convenient access to your saved passwords across all your Apple devices, ensuring a seamless and secure login experience.

Tips for future updates in Apple Intelligence

iOS 18 Beta 2 includes hints about upcoming features and a new Siri logo in the Tips app. These hints provide a glimpse of the future updates and improvements that Apple has in store for its intelligent assistant, Siri. While specific details are not yet available, the presence of these hints is generating excitement and anticipation for what is to come in the next beta versions or final version of iOS 18.

Improved language selection on lock screen

The iOS 18 Beta 2 Lock Screen introduces alphabetical sorting for language selection in the clock customization. This improvement makes it easier for users to find and select their preferred language when personalizing the clock on the Lock Screen. With the languages ​​presented in alphabetical order, navigating the list and locating the desired language becomes more efficient and user-friendly.

Sports news in Spotlight search

Sports fans will appreciate the new option to follow sports games directly from Spotlight search results in iOS 18 Beta 2. This feature allows you to keep up with your favorite teams and matches without having to go to a separate app or website. By simply searching for a specific game or team, you can access real-time scores, updates, and other relevant information directly from the search interface, keeping you up to date and engaged with the sports you love.

Customizable Siri Responses for Car Bluetooth

iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces customizable response output for Bluetooth in-car calls, improving the Siri experience while driving. This feature lets you customize Siri’s responses to better suit your preferences and needs when using Siri via your car’s Bluetooth system. Whether you prefer more concise responses or detailed information, you can now customize Siri’s response settings specifically for Bluetooth in your car, providing a more personalized and efficient interaction with your virtual assistant while driving.

Improved walking and hiking routes in Apple Maps

Apple Maps in iOS 18 Beta 2 includes instructions on how to create custom walking or hiking routes. This feature expands the capabilities of Apple Maps, making it a more versatile tool for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts. With the ability to create personalized routes, you can easily plan and navigate your walks or hikes. Step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of creating routes, allowing you to specify preferred paths, distances, and points of interest along the way.

Improved HomeKit Thermostat Control in Standby Mode

iOS 18 Beta 2 introduces an updated design for controlling HomeKit thermostats in standby mode. This improvement provides a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing the temperature settings of your smart home. With the improved design, you can easily adjust your thermostat preferences, set schedules, and monitor the temperature of your home directly from the standby interface. This update streamlines the process of controlling HomeKit-enabled thermostats, making it more accessible and convenient.

The introduction of these features and improvements in iOS 18 Beta 2 demonstrates Apple’s commitment to continually improving the iOS experience. By responding to user feedback, introducing new features, and improving existing features, Apple aims to deliver a more polished, efficient, and user-centric mobile operating system. As the beta testing progresses, users can expect further improvements and additions leading up to the final version of iOS 18, which promises to be a significant update for iPhone and iPad users around the world.

Source and image credit: Zollotech

Filed under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News

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