On Monday, Apple released the public betas for its next generation of software on the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch. This marks an exciting opportunity for users to test out new features and provide feedback to Apple.
Signing Up for the Apple Beta Software Program
To try out Apple’s upcoming software upgrades, you can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program on its website. Once enrolled, your device will gain access to early versions of these features. The program allows users to test and provide feedback on new software releases before they become available to the general public.
Exploring New Features in iOS 18
The latest beta release includes several exciting new features:
Customization Options for Your Home Screen
One notable feature is the ability to customize your Home Screen with app icons and widgets. Users can now place these elements wherever they want on their screen, giving them a personalized look and feel.
Example: Customizing Your Home Screen
- To access customization options, go to Settings > Home Screen
- Tap on Add Widgets to add new widgets to your Home Screen
- Choose from various widget styles and sizes to fit your needs
Photos App Redesign
The Photos app has undergone a complete redesign in iOS 18. This new layout provides an intuitive and visually appealing way to view and manage your photos.
Example: Accessing the New Photos App Layout
- Open the Photos app
- Tap on the Albums tab to access the redesigned interface
Messages App Enhancements
The Messages app has also received several enhancements, including:
- The ability to use Tapbacks with any emoji or sticker you’d like
- Improved support for group conversations
Example: Using Tapbacks with Custom Emojis
- Open a conversation in the Messages app
- Long-press on an emoji or sticker to access additional options
- Tap on the desired option to send it as a Tapback
Testing iOS 18 Beta Features
Users can try out various features, such as:
- Saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Siri by nodding their head while wearing AirPods Pros (you’ll need the 2nd generation for this one)
- Exploring the new layout for the Photos app
- Testing the enhanced Messages app features
Restoring Previous OS Versions
Once you’ve finished trying out iOS 18 beta, you can restore a previously released OS version by following Apple’s instructions here. Keep in mind that you can only roll back to an older software on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The Apple Watch will need to stick with the beta version until iOS 18 officially rolls out in the fall.
Conclusion
The public beta release of Apple’s next-generation software is a great opportunity for users to test new features and provide feedback. With exciting enhancements like customization options for your Home Screen, a redesigned Photos app, and enhanced Messages app features, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Try it out today!
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