iOS 18 public beta 3: Apple adds distraction control in Safari, enhances UI

Apple rolls out iOS 18 public beta 3

3 min read Last Updated : Aug 07 2024 | 10:10 AM IST

Apple has released iOS 18 public beta 3 to eligible iPhone users enrolled in its public beta testing program. The public beta followed developer beta 5 release, and brought a similar set of enhancements in user interface and new set of features. Among the notable additions is a new “Distraction Control” feature in Safari browser that allows users to selectively hide unwanted content from webpages. Other changes include improvements to Photos app, app icon redesign, and more.

iOS 18 Public Beta 3: What’s new

Distraction Control in Safari

Apple recently rolled out a new feature for its native web browser Safari that lets users remove certain elements from a webpage that the user might find distracting. After releasing it for users enrolled in Apple’s developer beta program, this feature is now available for eligible iPhone users who have signed up for the public beta.

Under the page menu interface on Safari, there is a now new “Hide Distracting Items” option available. Selecting the option will prompt the user to manually select each element from the webpage that they wish to remove. This includes webpage content such as sign-in pop ups and overlays. The feature also allows users to unhide previously hidden content by selecting the “Show Hidden Items” option from the same page menu interface.

According to a report by 9To5Mac, Apple said that the feature is not meant to be an ad-blocker. Although users can temporarily block ads using the Distraction Control feature, the ads will re-appear when the web page is refreshed.

Changes to Photos app

Apple has also made changes to the redesigned Photos app based on user feedback. Apple has now removed the carousel view that it introduced with the new operating system. Carousel view allowed users to swipe and view picture highlights that were updated every day.

Additionally, Apple has also improved the “All Photos” section which now displays more photos on the display at once. The new version also makes it easier to access photo albums.

Other changes

Other notable changes in the new version include new dark mode icons for select apps such as Maps and Find My. Design of multiple Control Center icons such as cellular data, screen mirroring has also been tweaked. The Stolen Device Protection feature is now also accessible from both “Privacy and Security” and “FaceID and Passcode” menus in the Settings app.

iOS 18 Public Beta 3: How to download and install

Sign up for the public beta on Apple’s website (https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/)

On iPhone, go to Settings-General-Software Update

Tap on the Beta Updates option and select iOS 18 Pubic Beta

Move back to Software Update page and wait for the download to appear

Agree to Apple terms and initiate download process

Installation will begin after download process

Note: Backup iPhone before installing the beta

iOS 18 Public Beta 3: Eligible iPhone models

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

iPhone XR

iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

First Published: Aug 07 2024 | 10:10 AM IST