Apple has released public betas for its upcoming operating system updates.
This allows users to try them out before the official releases later this year. The betas include iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18.
The iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia updates will be compatible with most devices currently running the previous versions (iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14 Sonoma), including recent Intel-based Macs. However, a few older iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Air models need help to install the new software updates.
Similarly, the watchOS 11 update will not be available for the Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and the first-generation Apple Watch SE. Only newer Apple Watch models, such as the SE (2nd gen), Series 6, 7, 8, 9, and Ultra, can upgrade to watchOS 11.
The iOS 18 public beta introduces several new features to iPhones like:
- The new customizable home screen lets you freely place apps and widgets anywhere you want for your convenience.
- There are new tinting options for icons and widgets
- The Photos app is now redesigned.
- Revamped Control Center with more customizing options.
- The new Dark mode icons
- Support for RCS messaging in Messages
- iPadOS 18 has similar improvements, plus a native Calculator app that iPad users have been requesting.
The watchOS 11 public beta for Apple Watch includes:
- New “Vitals” app for health insights
- “Rest days” tracking in the Fitness app
- macOS Sequoia’s public beta allows you to mirror and control your iPhone directly on your Mac screen.
- tvOS 18’s public beta brings an “InSight” feature to Apple TV+, similar to Amazon X-Ray. This feature provides behind-the-scenes information and trivia about shows.
However, the highly anticipated “Apple Intelligence” AI features announced at WWDC are not yet available in these initial public betas.
They will be added in later betas this fall, exclusively for iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, the latest Macs, and iPads with Apple silicon.
To install the public betas, you must sign up with your Apple ID on the Beta Software Program website.
Then open Settings > General > Software Update on your compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac to download and install the beta. Back up your data first, as betas may have bugs.
The final versions of these operating systems are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 16 series in September.
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