Apple has released the second beta of iOS 18 and more today for developers and testers. The first beta of iOS 18 was released last week at Apple’s WWDC keynote.
Here’s what’s available for download right now, besides iOS 18 beta 2:
- iPadOS 18 beta 2 (22A5297f)
- macOS 15 beta 2 (24A5279h)
- tvOS 18 beta 2 (22J5305e)
- visionOS 2 beta 2 (22N5267g)
- watchOS 11 beta 2 (22R5299d)
As for what’s new in iOS 18 beta 2? We have an early rundown of new features and changes from Zollotech.
Modem Update:
- Improved modem update for better connectivity.
RCS Messaging:
- Introduction of RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, initially available in the U.S.
- Enhances messaging quality for videos and photos, particularly between different Android groups.
Satellite Connectivity Demo:
- Satellite connectivity via messages for emergency SOS and text messaging when there is no network connection.
Dark Mode Customization:
- New dark mode icons and the ability to switch between dark mode wallpapers.
- Users can now customize their wallpaper settings to dim the background without desaturating it.
iPhone Mirroring:
- New option for iPhone mirroring under Airplane Continuity in settings.
- Allows screen mirroring and sending notifications to Macs updated to macOS Sequoia.
Control Center Changes:
- Updated power button functionality requiring a press-and-hold action to access the slide to power off button.
- Shazam integration updated with a new button style and access to recognized music history.
Side-loading in EU:
- Enabled side-loading of app stores and third-party apps on iPads, complying with EU regulations.
App Store Dark Mode:
- Updated App Store icon and other app icons to support dark mode.
Here’s what App Store icon looks like in Dark Mode, thanks to iPhone in Canada reader, Shawn:
Formatting External Drives:
- Added the ability to format external drives (Thunderbolt or USB-C) directly within the Files app with options for APFS and MS-DOS formats.
Splash Screens for Apps:
- New splash screens for various apps including Messages, Music, Translate, and TestFlight to highlight new features and updates.
Files App Enhancements:
- Reintroduction of the ability to save photos from the Files app.
Siri and Apple Intelligence:
- Upcoming updates for Siri and Apple Intelligence with new visual overlays and functionalities expected later in the summer.
Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
- Improved responsiveness in the Feedback app.
- Fixed various issues, including those related to activity sharing notifications, sound recognition, and storage inaccuracies.
- Enhanced overall performance and fluidity in UI interactions.
- Fixed storage bugs and improved system data management.
Known Issues
- Ongoing bugs with sound recognition, sound actions, and RCS messaging group chats.
- Issues with iPhone mirroring not working correctly on some devices.
- Bugs with tinting and customizing icons leading to inconsistent behaviour.
Click here to learn how to install iOS 18 beta.
