Apple has rolled out iOS 18 Beta 3 to registered developers, introducing more than 21 new features and changes.
This update includes enhancements in the Control Center, keyboard, Home Screen, Fitness app, and more.
Here's a detailed look at what's new and improved in iOS 18 Beta 3.
Control Center & UI Enhancements
Refined Control Center
The Control Center in iOS 18 Beta 3 features a new animated how-to guide and improved opacity for icons. Users can now easily change Bluetooth connections, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop settings through new interface options.
Additionally, customizing Control Center widgets is now smoother, with more intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. Users no longer need to tap and hold to configure settings; a simple tap now suffices.
Flashlight and Dynamic Island
The flashlight animation in the Dynamic Island is larger, and the UI has been revamped for better usability. Users can now more easily adjust the beam and brightness settings, making the flashlight more functional and user-friendly.
Keyboard & Emoji Updates
New Emoji Picker Interface
The emoji picker in iOS 18 Beta 3 has been updated with a more rounded search bar and larger emojis.
Memojis are now integrated into the emoji keyboard, making it more convenient to access them. Despite the improvements, some bugs related to tinted icons in dark mode still persist but have been partially fixed.
Enhanced Dark Mode Icons
More third-party applications now support dark mode icons. Apple has added different shading to these applications, making dark mode setups look more cohesive. This change encourages app developers to update their apps to support dark mode icons.
Home Screen & Fitness App Improvements
Dynamic Wallpapers
iOS 18 Beta 3 introduces dynamic wallpapers that switch between different colors and light and dark modes throughout the day, enhancing the visual experience.
Fitness App Changes
The Fitness app now features a "Move Goal Schedule" instead of "Custom Move Goal," with larger day labels and easier goal adjustments. The app also includes a new splash screen highlighting upcoming features like customizable summaries and flexible goals.
Performance & Battery Life
Performance Metrics
Initial Geekbench tests show a slight decrease in scores compared to Beta 2, but the device feels more stable and responsive. Battery life appears to be improved, with the potential for decent performance throughout the beta cycle.
Bug Fixes
Several bugs from previous betas have been resolved, including issues with screen time and app icons not showing up. The overall stability of the software has improved significantly.
Additionally, the Photos app no longer has padding issues, and the Podcast app features a new splash screen for precise sharing and faster search.
Editor's Comments
The iOS 18 Beta 3 update brings a plethora of quality-of-life improvements that enhance user experience. The integration of dynamic wallpapers and the refined Control Center are particularly noteworthy.
However, the real test will be the performance and battery life over the coming weeks.
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