Apple Releases iOS 18 Beta 3: What’s New

Apple recently released iOS 18 beta 3 to registered developers, introducing a number of new features, improvements, and bug fixes. This update, which arrives alongside updates for iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, aims to improve the user experience and lay the groundwork for future improvements. The video below by Brandon Butch provides more details on what Apple has included in the new beta. Let’s take a closer look at what iOS 18 Beta 3 has to offer.

Under the hood: update size, build number and modem firmware

The iOS 18 Beta 3 update weighs in at 1.18GB and has a new build number of 22A5307F. One of the notable changes in this release is the updated modem firmware, which has been bumped up from version 2.3.0 to 2.4.1. This update promises to deliver improved connectivity and overall performance, providing a smoother user experience.

Visual improvements: Dark Mode, Emoji Keyboard, and Dynamic Wallpapers

iOS 18 Beta 3 brings a few visual improvements, starting with improvements to Dark Mode. You’ll notice a new Maps icon in Dark Mode and increased support for third-party Dark Mode icons, making it easier on the eyes to use at night. The emoji keyboard has also been given a facelift, now featuring a rounded search bar, larger emoji, and built-in Memoji for a more expressive messaging experience. It also introduces a new iOS 18 dynamic wallpaper with animations, adding a bit of visual interest to your home screen.

Improved functionality: flashlight, fitness app, Photos app, and more

This update also brings improvements to various built-in apps and features. The flashlight UI now includes a larger dynamic island animation and an improved UI for adjusting the beam intensity, making it more convenient to use in low-light conditions. The Fitness app has also undergone some changes, with “Custom Move Goal” being renamed “Move Goal Schedule”, along with UI updates to goal setting and a new splash screen for the feature, helping you better manage your fitness goals. The Photos app has also received some love, with a default selection option that doesn’t fill the screen, a new animation for selecting photos, and adjusted corner rounding on photos for a more polished look. The Control Center has been updated with an animated “how-to” guide, less opaque icons, and easier adjustments for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop, streamlining control over your device’s settings.

• Podcast app: Share content from specific timestamps with greater precision, enjoy faster search, and have more playback controls.
• Shortcuts App: Creating new shortcuts is now smoother with updated text and animations.
• Screen time: Fixed issues causing the program to hang to ensure greater stability.

Performance and stability improvements

iOS 18 Beta 3 offers impressive Geekbench scores, with 2768 for single-core performance and 6774 for multi-core performance. The update also brings improved stability and battery life, providing a better overall user experience.

Looking Ahead: Future Apple Intelligence Updates and Features

While iOS 18 Beta 3 is primarily focused on improving the user experience and fixing bugs, more will be coming in future updates. iOS 18 Beta 4 is expected to arrive in 2-3 weeks, with the public beta likely during the week of July 15. The final release is expected in mid- to late September. As for Apple Intelligence features, a major Siri update is expected in iOS 18.4 or 2025, but Beta 3 did not include any new features in this area. Overall, iOS 18 Beta 3 is a solid update that brings a number of quality of life improvements and bug fixes. While it may not bring groundbreaking new features, it sets the stage for future improvements and provides a more polished and stable user experience.

Photo Credit & Credit: Brandon Butch

Filed under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News

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