iOS 18 beta 3: Here’s all the new stuff

iOS 18 beta 3 has officially been released to developers. The update brings some significant changes to Home screen customization, various design and interface tweaks, and more. Head below for a full rundown of everything new in iOS 18 beta 3.

iOS 18 is currently available to developer beta testers, with a public beta expected in July and a general release scheduled for September. It’s important to note that in the early stages of a beta, changes and improvements can be unpredictable. This means that something functional in iOS 18 beta 2 may be broken in iOS 18 beta 3. As always, proceed with caution.

iOS 18 beta 3: new features and changes

• iOS 18 beta 3 adds a new feature that automatically converts app icons on the Home screen to dark mode. The feature appears to use some kind of machine learning image separation technology.

• The default wallpaper in iOS 18 beta 3 has been updated to include a new “dynamic” color change option. If you enable these new dynamic settings, your wallpaper color will change at different times throughout the day.

• Flashlight received a major update in iOS 18 for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users. In iOS 18 beta 3, Apple has improved the flashlight interface that appears on Dynamic Island.

• In the Photos app, the “Select” button is now always visible. Previously, you had to swipe up on the photo grid for it to appear, adding an extra step every time you needed to select a photo.
• Additionally, pinch-to-zoom has been restored to the Photos app and Photos browser, so it now works like it did in iOS 17 and earlier.

• In the Settings app, the “RCS Messaging” option has been updated to provide more details about the feature. It is available in Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging.

• The emoji keyboard has been redesigned, now featuring larger icons that are easier to see and click.
• You can also access stickers and emojis under the emoji keyboard in iOS 18 beta 3.

• In Focus Mode, the Messages app no ​​longer shows the contact name for silenced notifications. Instead, it only shows “Messages.”

Have you noticed any changes in today’s iOS 18 beta 3 or iPadOS 18 beta 3? Let us know in the comments below, at Twitter @9to5Macand on Threads @9to5Mac. Stay tuned for full hands-on coverage of the new releases right here on 9to5Mac today and the rest of the week.