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Apple's iOS beta releases regularly provide exciting glimpses of upcoming features and changes that will soon be available on users' devices. With the release of iOS 18.1 Beta 2 and iOS 18 Beta 6, Apple is bringing some significant improvements and new features. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about these new updates so you're well prepared when the final versions are released.
Apple is constantly working to improve the iOS operating system and respond to user needs. The latest beta versions of iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 offer many interesting changes that improve both functionality and usability. It's important to be aware of these new features to get the most out of your iOS device. Here you can find a detailed overview of the most important updates.
Redesign of the Photos app (iOS 18.1)
One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 18.1 beta 2 is to the Photos app. After the original all-in-one design was criticized by some users, Apple tweaked it. The carousel, which was considered confusing, has been removed. Now you can only access collections, including custom albums and content from the For You section, by scrolling down in the main library. These changes were already implemented in iOS 18 and are now also available in the iOS 18.1 beta.
Distraction Control in Safari (iOS 18.1)
Another highlight in iOS 18.1 is the new distraction control in Safari. This feature allows you to hide annoying elements such as login windows, GDPR banners or automatically playing videos on websites. It is important to note that advertisements cannot be hidden permanently. The distraction control is accessible via the page settings in Safari and helps to make surfing the web more pleasant.
Further development of the photo app collections (iOS 18 Beta 6)
In iOS 18 Beta 6, Apple has further redesigned the albums in the Photos app. Each album is now displayed as a separate card, with a main thumbnail on the left. This change improves clarity and makes navigation within the Photos app easier.
Control Center Improvements (All Betas)
Apple has further optimized the Control Center in the new beta versions. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a separate Bluetooth control that can be added individually to each page of the Control Center. Additionally, there is now the option to place the Bluetooth control on the lock screen or assign it to the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
New colors for icons (all betas)
A small but interesting new feature concerns the color adjustment of icons. From now on, these colors are tied to your background image and no longer to the system. So if you change your background image, the colors of the icons will automatically adjust, provided you have activated this option.
Apple Music Updates (All Betas)
There is also a small but significant change in Apple Music: The previous “Discover” tab has been renamed “New”. This is intended to simplify the user interface and focus on new content.
Localization for Apple Intelligence (iOS 18.1)
With iOS 18.1 beta 2, Apple is introducing additional localized versions of Apple Intelligence. These include variants of English for Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Singapore. This expansion shows Apple's efforts to better serve the global market.
iOS 18.1 Beta 2 and iOS 18 Beta 6: Improvements at a glance
iOS 18.1 beta 2 and iOS 18 beta 6 bring exciting new features and improvements aimed at further improving the user experience. From the redesign of the Photos app to the handy distraction control in Safari to the improvements in the Control Center, these updates show that Apple is continuously working to make iOS even more user-friendly and powerful. Stay up to date with the latest developments to take full advantage of these updates. Looking for new accessories? Check out our Amazon Storefront There you will find a wide selection of products from leading suppliers, including HomeKit and much more! (Photo by Unsplash / Sophia Stark)
