Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18 beta 3 for developers, bringing a variety of new features, enhancements, and bug fixes. If you’re a developer, here’s what you need to know about this latest update.
Update Overview
The iOS 18 beta 3 update, with build number 22A5307f, follows the release of beta 2 by two weeks. This update is crucial as it continues to refine the iOS 18 experience before the public beta launch expected in July and the general release scheduled for September.
New Features and Changes
1. Home Screen Customization
- Dark Mode for App Icons: iOS 18 beta 3 introduces automatic dark mode conversion for Home Screen app icons. This feature utilizes machine learning image separation technology to create a cohesive dark mode experience across third-party apps.
- Dynamic Wallpapers: The default wallpaper now includes a dynamic option that changes color throughout the day, adding a fresh visual appeal to your device.
2. Photos App Improvements
- Always Visible Select Button: The “Select” button in the Photos app is now always visible, streamlining the process of selecting photos without needing to swipe up.
- Reverted Pinch-to-Zoom Gesture: The pinch-to-zoom gesture in the Photos app has been reverted to its iOS 17 functionality, making it more familiar and user-friendly.
3. Enhanced Messaging and Communication
- RCS Messaging Details: The RCS Messaging option in Settings has been updated with more detailed information, improving clarity for users.
- Focus Mode Tweaks: When in Focus mode, the Messages app no longer shows contact names for silenced notifications, enhancing privacy by displaying just “Messages”.
4. Visual and Functional Enhancements
- Emoji Keyboard: The emoji keyboard has been tweaked with larger icons, making it easier to see and tap. Additionally, users can now access stickers and emojis directly from the emoji keyboard.
- Apple Maps Dark Mode Icon: A redesigned dark mode icon for Apple Maps has been spotted, aligning with the overall dark mode enhancements in iOS 18 beta 3.
5. Flashlight and Dynamic Island
- Refined Flashlight Interface: The flashlight interface has been refined for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users, with improvements to the Dynamic Island interface for adjusting beam intensity.
6. Performance and Stability
- Improved Connectivity: The modem firmware has been updated from version 2.3.0 to 2.4.1, promising better connectivity and overall performance.
- Geekbench Scores: Impressive performance scores with 2768 for single-core and 6774 for multi-core ensure a smoother and more stable user experience.
7. Additional Updates
- Control Center: Updated with less opaque icons and easier adjustments for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop settings.
- Fitness App: Renamed “Custom Move Goal” to “Move Goal Schedule” with UI updates, enhancing goal-setting experiences.
- Podcast App: Allows sharing from specific timestamps more precisely and offers faster search and better playback control options.
- Shortcuts App: Smoother creation of new shortcuts with updated text and animations.
- Screen Time: Crashing issues resolved for better stability.
Looking Ahead
While iOS 18 beta 3 focuses on refining existing features and improving stability, Apple is gearing up for more substantial updates in future releases. Expect iOS 18 beta 4 to arrive in a few weeks, with the public beta likely launching around mid-July. The final release is anticipated for mid to late September. Additionally, major updates to Apple Intelligence and Siri are expected in iOS 18.4 or early 2025.
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