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What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 6
What’s new in the latest iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 betas?
The latest iOS 18 beta 6 is available to both developer and public beta testers. This update comes with build number 22A5338b and introduces several new features and improvements.
New Control Center Toggle
iOS 18 beta 6 introduces a dedicated toggle for Bluetooth in the Control Center, which can now be switched on or off independently. Previously, Bluetooth was controlled as part of the combined Connectivity widget alongside options like Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi.
Photos App Update
The Photos app has received another update in iOS 18 beta 6, featuring a redesigned Albums Collection interface. Each album is now displayed with a distinct card interface and a thumbnail image, replacing the previous layout with multiple smaller thumbnails.
Apple Music Tweak
The “Browse” tab in the Music app has been renamed to “New.” However, the content available under this tab remains unchanged.
Dark Mode Enhancements
App icons in notifications now accurately reflect their Dark Mode variants when Dark Mode is enabled. If Light Mode is active, the original Light Mode icon is shown.
Tinting Improvements
Users who choose to tint their Home Screen icons based on their wallpaper color will find that these settings are now synchronized with their Lock Screen. Changing the wallpaper automatically updates the tinting to match.
App Icon Changes
The latest update ensures that Microsoft apps properly display their Dark Mode icons when enabled. Improvements have also been made to the way the Instagram app icon adapts to tinting settings.
What’s New in iOS 18.1 Beta 2
In addition to iOS 18 beta 6, Apple has also released iOS 18.1 beta 2 for developers. This beta is available exclusively for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users and features new Apple Intelligence capabilities. The build number for this beta is 22B5023e.
Photos App Redesign
iOS 18.1 beta 2 incorporates all the changes made to the Photos app in iOS 18 beta 5. This includes removing the Carousel view, adjusting the All Photos grid, and other tweaks.
Distraction Control Feature
The Distraction Control feature, first introduced in iOS 18 beta 5, is now part of iOS 18.1 beta 2. This feature allows users to block specific elements on web pages, such as sign-in popups and content overlays, enhancing the browsing experience.
Apple Music Adjustment
Similar to iOS 18 beta 6, the “Browse” tab in the Music app has been renamed to “New.” The content within this tab remains unchanged.
New Control Center Toggle
iOS 18.1 beta 2 includes the addition of a dedicated Bluetooth toggle in the Control Center, similar to iOS 18 beta 6.
Dark Mode Improvements
In this beta, app icons in notifications correctly display their Dark Mode variants when Dark Mode is enabled. When Light Mode is active, the original Light Mode icon appears.
Tinting Adjustments
The tinting settings for Home Screen icons based on wallpaper color are now linked with the Lock Screen settings. Changing the wallpaper automatically updates the tinting for both screens.
App Icon Modifications
Microsoft apps now display their Dark Mode icons accurately, and improvements have been made to how the Instagram app icon handles tinting.
Conclusion
Both iOS 18 beta 6 and iOS 18.1 beta 2 bring a range of new features and enhancements to Apple’s operating system. Whether it’s improved control over Bluetooth settings, updates to the Photos app, or enhancements in Dark Mode functionality, these betas offer exciting developments for testers. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of these releases as we continue to explore their new features and updates.