Dive into iOS 18: 8 Must-Try Features in the Public Beta
Apple enthusiasts, rejoice! The wait is over. Apple's iOS 18 Public Beta has landed, bringing exciting features you can use before anyone else. Whether you've been yearning to break free from the rigid home screen grid or crave the magic of using your iPhone on your Mac, iOS 18 offers something useful for everyone. But with so much new to explore, where do you begin?
This blog dives into 8 must-try iOS 18 features that will have you itching to download the Public Beta (with a healthy dose of caution, of course!).
Key Takeaways
- Math Notes: Solve equations and see them handwritten on your iPhone screen within the Calculator app.
- Home Screen Customization: Break free from the grid and scatter apps freely. Personalize app icons with various sizes and effects.
- iMessage Scheduling: Schedule messages to be sent at a specific time.
- Control Center Revamp: Organize Control Center with multiple pages for favorite controls and easy access to specific settings.
- Mirror iPhone on Mac: Interact with your iPhone seamlessly on your Mac screen with iPhone Mirroring. Stream notifications and access your iPhone even in Standby Mode.
- Text from Almost Anywhere with Satellites: Send texts via satellite on iPhone 14 and later models, even without cellular reception (limited to US for now).
- Enhanced Privacy: Lock down apps with Face ID for an extra layer of security.
- Effortless Audio Transcription: Easily transcribe voice recordings within the Notes app or the dedicated Voice Memos app.
1. Uncover the Math Whiz Within Math Notes
Remember the viral TikTok explosion over the iPad's Calculator app announcement? Well, get ready to be equally thrilled because Math Notes, the headlining feature that solves equations in a flash, is also making its way to the iPhone!
Here's how it works: Within the Calculator app, tap the icon resembling a calculator in the bottom left corner and choose "Math Notes." You'll be presented with a blank canvas like a fresh Notes page. Scribble down your equation, say "1 + 1 =", and as soon as you write the final equals sign, your iPhone springs into action, solving the problem instantly – all while mimicking your handwriting style!
While the experience might feel slightly cramped compared to the iPad, it's undeniably handy for tackling quick calculations. Plus, Math Notes seamlessly syncs across your devices, allowing you to revisit previous equations whenever needed.
2. Craft a Home Screen Masterpiece: Customization Galore
Apple is opening the doors to customization with iOS 18, and the Public Beta lets you start playing around with some exciting options. We can expect a surge of creative home screen designs on social media soon!
The first major change? Breaking free from the traditional grid layout. Gone are the days of rigidly aligning apps in rows. Now, you can scatter them freely, leaving empty spaces between them. Imagine having a single app icon perched proudly in the top left corner with the rest of the screen dedicated to your favorite wallpaper – the endless possibilities! Apple recommends creating new pages to experiment with different looks before committing to a complete makeover.
But that's not all. You can also further adjust the size of app icons and even apply individual effects to them. Long-pressing on your home screen and tapping "edit" uncovers a "customize" option, revealing four ways to personalize app icons.
You can choose between light or dark modes or apply a uniform tint effect reminiscent of Android's Material You. While the tint might appear jarring with third-party app designs, it's a quick way to achieve a cohesive look.
3. Schedule Your Messages Like a Pro: iMessage Scheduling Arrives
Have you ever hesitated to send that late-night message or worried you'd forget to send a birthday wish? Fear not! Apple has finally introduced iMessage scheduling. This long-awaited feature integrates seamlessly into Messages.
Just compose your message as usual, tap the "+" button on the left, and choose "Send Later." A convenient scroll wheel lets you pick a specific date and time for your message to be automatically delivered.
Beyond scheduling, iOS 18 brings other enhancements to Messages. Now, you can react to messages with any emoji, and the historical tapbacks get a makeover with vibrant colors and updated designs.
For those seeking extra flair, you can add exciting text effects like "Bloom," "Small," or "Nod" to your messages. Finally, the Public Beta welcomes the much-anticipated RCS messaging support, potentially streamlining communication across different platforms.
4. Control Center: Tailored for Your Needs
Like the home screen, the Control Center gets a customizable makeover in iOS 18. It's now divided into separate pages. Swiping down the middle or on the right sidebar allows you to easily navigate between favorites, music control, home settings, and network options. But the real magic happens when you long-press on any page. This unlocks the power to add new controls, adjust their size, and rearrange them according to your preferences.
Whether you're a dedicated flashlight user (with the well-deserved upgrade this feature has received, who wouldn't be?) or crave quick access to specific settings, you can now tailor the Control Center to suit your workflow perfectly.
5. Mac Magic: Mirror Your iPhone on Your Mac
While technically an iOS 18 feature intertwined with macOS Sequoia, iPhone Mirroring is undeniably a compelling reason to dive into the Public Betas this year. This innovative feature brings your iPhone screen directly onto your Mac, allowing you to interact seamlessly.
Imagine working on your MacBook Air in the living room while your iPhone rests on the nightstand across the room. With iPhone Mirroring, you can easily connect and use any iPhone app on your Mac. This functionality becomes even more intriguing when you consider Standby Mode. Even while your iPhone remains in StandBy Mode on your desk, iPhone Mirroring grants you access to the iOS experience on your Mac.
However, perhaps the most exciting aspect is the ability to stream iPhone notifications to your Mac. You can choose which notifications appear, allowing you to silence distractions from social media apps while keeping essential alerts from your smart home system or Tesla notifications coming through.
However, the sweetest notification you might receive on your Mac via iPhone Mirroring is likely the one that chimes, "Apple Watch is now fully charged."
6. Text from (Almost) Anywhere with Satellites
The message did go through, but since the recipient wasn't using Apple's preview software, I couldn't see the response until much later. It seems that the days of being completely off the grid are ending. If you have an iPhone 14 or a newer model, you can send texts and iMessages without cell reception from virtually any location in the United States, as long as you have a clear view of the sky.
When you venture outside the cellular range, your messages will be delivered via satellites - a capability previously reserved for contacting emergency services. Even better, this feature is currently free to use.
7. Privacy Lockdowns for Apps
Our phones are full of private data, and it is becoming easier to safeguard your information, especially when you need to hand your phone to someone temporarily.
In iOS 18, you can require a Face ID check before launching almost any app on your iPhone. To enable this, locate the app on your home screen or in the App Library, long-press the icon to open the action menu, and select the "Require Face ID" option.
8. Effortless Transcription for Your Recordings
If you often use voice memos to help jog your memory, identifying the content of those old recordings is about to get much more accessible.
iOS 18 can transcribe the contents of your audio files. To do so, find the recording you're interested in, tap the waveform button in the bottom-left corner, and then tap the speech bubble button that appears on the playback page.
These transcriptions are generated quickly; an hour-long conversation can be transcribed in about a minute. However, the accuracy of this early software can be inconsistent, and iOS doesn't differentiate between speakers like similar apps on Google and Samsung phones.
If you prefer jotting things down in the Notes app, you can record audio there, too, by tapping the paper clip icon. From there, you can ask iOS to transcribe your recording and copy the resulting text directly into your notes or wherever else you need.
Final Thoughts: A Look Ahead
Whether you've eagerly anticipated the iOS 18 Public Beta or this feature list has sparked your interest, the wait is over. Apple has officially released the Public Beta of iOS 18 alongside iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and tvOS 18.
While the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence suite isn't available yet, there is a treasure trove of new features to explore and experiment with. Apple hasn't entirely extinguished hope for a glimpse into those AI features—the company has promised a beta release of its AI set for this fall.
So, if you're ready to embrace the future of iOS, head over to our guide for installing the iOS 18 Public Beta (remember, you'll need an iPhone XS or newer and an iPhone SE second-generation or later) and get ready to dive into a world of exciting possibilities!
Just a word of caution: Public Betas are inherently works in progress, so be prepared for occasional bugs, glitches, or even reduced battery life. That's the price you pay for being on the cutting edge!
FAQ's
Q. What are the key features to try in the new public beta of iOS 18?
A. The new public beta of iOS 18 includes 5 features you should try, including enhanced control center customization and dark mode.
Q. How can I access the public beta of iOS 18?
A. To access the public beta of iOS 18, you can sign up as a developer or enroll in the public beta testing program through Apple's website.
Q. What new features are available in iOS 18 that weren't in the previous version?
A. iPhone's home screen icons are more customizable, and you can now easily send messages with the new app preview feature.
Q. How do I use the new dark mode feature in iOS 18?
A. To use the dark mode feature in iOS 18, turn it on in the settings menu to save battery life and enjoy a sleeker interface.
Q. What are some valuable tips for texting in iOS 18?
A. In iOS 18, texting is more convenient with features like imessages and quick replies that you'll want to try for a better messaging experience.
Q. How can I customize my notifications in iOS 18?
A. You can customize your notifications in iOS 18 by long-pressing on a notification to view options like read, preview, or send text messages right from the notification menu.