Apple has released the first public beta version of its new operating system for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. The update will bring a number of useful features and improvements, and later some devices will also receive an improved Siri assistant and an artificial intelligence function Apple Intelligence.
The iOS 18 public beta introduces support for RCS notifications, new settings that let you place apps anywhere on the Home screen, and change the colors of icons and widgets. There will also be a new layout for the Photos app and the ability to customize the Control Center. Similar updates are contained in the public beta version of iPadOS 18, which will include, among other things, the long-awaited “Calculator”.
However, iOS 18 still won't include Apple Intelligence. The company is saving the technology innovation for a future beta version that will be released in the fall. However, Apple Intelligence will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as Macs and iPads with M1 chips and later. At this time, Apple has not announced the AI feature for any of its other platforms, including the Apple Watch.
As for the watchOS 11 public beta, there will be an Apple Vitals app for a quick overview of a user's health data overnight. For Mac, the Sequoia beta includes the ability to mirror the iPhone screen directly onto the Mac screen and other minor updates. The tvOS 18 beta includes InSight content for Apple TV Plus, somewhat similar to Amazon X-Ray.
The Verge notes that while most devices can be downgraded to a stable current version of the operating system, this cannot be done with the Apple Watch. Users will have to wait until the stable version is released in the fall, so this is something to keep in mind before installing the beta on your watch.