Apple’s dual beta testing: iOS 18 Beta 6 and iOS 18.1 Beta 2

Apple has taken an unprecedented step in its software development cycle, simultaneously beta-testing two versions of its upcoming mobile operating system.

In an unprecedented move, Apple is simultaneously beta-testing two versions of its upcoming mobile operating system. This dual approach has left some users confused about the differences between iOS 18 beta 6 and iOS 18.1 beta 2. Let’s break it down and explore the exciting new features each version brings.

Understanding the versions of iOS 18.1 beta 2 and iOS 18 beta 6

iOS 18 beta 6 is part of the main development cycle for the next major iOS release. It’s focused on finalizing features and preparing for the official launch.

iOS 18.1 beta 2, on the other hand, is already looking ahead to the first update after the main release. It aims to refine features and address any issues discovered in the initial rollout.

This approach has left many users puzzled about the differences between iOS 18 beta 6 and iOS 18.1 beta 2. To shed light on this unique situation, let’s first understand Apple‘s iOS versioning system:

These two versions differ in several ways:

1. Development stage: iOS 18 beta 6 is in the final stages of the main version development. iOS 18.1 beta 2 is in the early stages of the first update after the main version release.
2. Content: iOS 18.1 aims to fix bugs discovered in the main version (18.0) and add some new features. iOS 18 beta 6 includes all the new features of the main version but is still in the testing phase.
3. Stability: Generally, x.1 versions are more stable than x.0 versions. Therefore, iOS 18.1 beta 2 might be more stable than iOS 18 beta 6.

Now, let’s explore the exciting new features each version brings to the table.

iOS 18.1 beta 2 and iOS 18 beta 6 key features in both versions

• Photos App redesign: Apple has streamlined the Photos app in response to user feedback. The carousel has been removed, simplifying navigation. Collections, including custom albums and content previously found in the “For You” section, are now accessed by scrolling down from the main library view. The photo grid displays more images at once, and albums have been moved higher by default for easier access. Recently Saved content has been integrated into Recent Days, simplifying content discovery.
• Safari’s distraction control: This innovative feature allows users to hide distracting elements from web pages and articles. Users can eliminate sign-in windows, cookie preference popups, newsletter signup forms, GDPR banners, and autoplay videos. However, it’s important to note that Distraction Control is not designed as an ad-blocking tool. While ads can be temporarily hidden, they reappear when the page refreshes. This feature is accessible through Safari’s page settings under “Hide Distracting Items.”
• Control Center updates: A dedicated Bluetooth toggle has been added to the Control Center, separate from other communication controls. This new toggle can be added to any Control Center page and even to the Lock Screen or assigned to the Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro models.
• Dark Mode notification icons: When Dark Mode is enabled, notifications from apps with Dark Mode icons will now display correctly with their darker versions.

Unique to iOS 18 Beta 6

1. Photos App collection: The Albums Collection has been redesigned with a new card-style layout. Each album now has a separate card with a main thumbnail on the left, replacing the previous design that had the album name on the left and a collection of small thumbnails.
2. Splash Screens: New introductory screens for various apps, including Photos, Translate, Podcasts, Home, Apple TV, Calculator, and Notes, have been added. These splash screens suggest that we’re nearing the end of planned changes for the base version of iOS 18.

Exclusive to iOS 18.1 Beta 2

• Apple Intelligence localization: New English localizations have been added for Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Singapore. This is in addition to the previous U.S., UK, and Australia localization options. Apple has stated that support for non-English languages will be introduced later this year and in 2025.
• EU availability of Apple Intelligence: Some users in the European Union have reported being able to access Apple Intelligence by changing their region to the United States and their language to U.S. English.
• Lock Screen changes: The option to access Spotlight search by swiping down from the Lock Screen has been removed in this beta. However, this could be a temporary bug rather than an intended change.
• Mail upgrade warning: Apple has cautioned developers using iOS 18 beta 5 that upgrading to the iOS 18.1 beta might result in all their emails being re-downloaded.

As Apple continues to refine both versions, users can expect a polished experience when iOS 18 officially launches. The simultaneous beta testing of iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 demonstrates Apple’s commitment to delivering a robust and feature-rich operating system while also preparing for quick post-launch improvements.

This dual approach allows Apple to gather more comprehensive feedback and address potential issues more efficiently. As we approach the official release date, it will be interesting to see how these beta versions evolve and which features make it to the final cut. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple fine-tunes its next-generation mobile operating system.

Featured image credit: zhang kaiyv / Unsplash