Apple has rolled out the third beta of iOS 18.3 to developers, bringing notable updates to Notification Summaries and minor tweaks across other features. This release aims to address previous inaccuracies and enhance user experience.
Release Information
The iOS 18.3 beta 3 is now available for all devices compatible with iOS 18.
Developers can download the update through the Settings app by navigating to General > Software Update.
The update is approximately 755 MB in size and comes with a new build number: 22D5055B. Notably, there is no modem firmware update in this release.
Key Updates
Notification Summary Changes
In response to feedback about inaccurate headlines, Apple has temporarily disabled Notification Summaries for apps in the News and Entertainment categories.
These summaries are now displayed in italics to distinguish them from standard notifications. Users can disable Notification Summaries on a per-app basis directly from the Lock Screen.
Camera Control
For iPhone 16 models, the Camera Control settings have been updated. The AE/AF lock toggle has been renamed to "Lock Focus and Exposure" to improve clarity for users unfamiliar with photographic terminology.
Messages and Genmoji
The Messages app now includes a Genmoji entry in the sidebar, providing an additional way to access Genmoji creation tools.
PDF Editing
When editing PDFs through the screenshot interface, users will receive a warning that cropped content is not removed from the PDF, alerting them to potential visibility issues in certain apps.
Performance and Bug Fixes
Performance Improvements
Reports indicate that iOS 18.3 beta 3 maintains stable performance with no significant changes from previous betas. Battery life appears consistent, with users noting potentially improved stability over extended use.
Bug Fixes
The update addresses issues such as the tiny Apple logo bug on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
However, some bugs, like the wallpaper saturation issue, remain unresolved.
Next Beta Updates
Apple typically follows a regular beta release schedule, often rolling out new beta updates every one to two weeks.
Given that iOS 18.3 beta 3 was released on January 16, 2025, the next update, which could be either iOS 18.3 beta 4 or the Release Candidate (RC), might be expected around the week of January 20th to January 27th.
If Apple decides to release the RC next, the final public release could follow shortly after, potentially by the end of January or early February.
>>> Get latest iOS beta updates news
Editor's Comments
The iOS 18.3 beta 3 release demonstrates Apple's commitment to refining user experience by addressing feedback and enhancing feature clarity.
The temporary suspension of Notification Summaries for certain categories highlights Apple's responsiveness to criticism and its focus on improving AI-generated content reliability.
As the beta testing continues, users can expect further refinements and potentially new features in upcoming releases.
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