Apple releases iOS 18 Developer beta 3 with dynamic wallpaper and other improvements

Apple on Monday released the third beta of iOS 18 to developers, bringing improved new features that are expected to be released to all users in a stable release by the end of the year.

One of the most notable additions in iOS 18 beta 3 is the new dynamic wallpaper that changes colors based on the time of day. Dark mode got a lot of attention in this update, with Apple expanding its reach to third-party app icons. For apps with simpler color schemes, Apple automatically adjusts the icons, while more complex designs get a darker hue.

The Photos app has received a small but welcome makeover, adding a dedicated “Select” button to the main interface, streamlining the process of selecting multiple images. This update also revamped the emoji, Memoji, and stickers interface in Messages, combining them into a single, more accessible menu.

Other improvements include an improved flashlight interface with more intuitive controls for adjusting the brightness and spread of the light, and an updated RCS toggle in the Messages settings that provides additional context about the feature’s functionality.

The iOS 18 beta is currently only available to registered developers, with the public beta set to launch later this month. Apple plans to release the final version of iOS 18 to all users this fall, likely in September, alongside new iPhone models.

As with all beta software, users should expect some performance and stability issues. Apple continues to refine the operating system based on tester feedback, squashing bugs and improving overall functionality with each release.