iOS 18 Beta 3, What's New?

The update for iOS 18 Beta 3 is relatively small for an early beta, clocking in at 1.18 GB. Upon installation, you can check the build number in Settings > General > About > iOS Version, which is now 22A5307F. This is the same as the previous beta, suggesting only minor improvements. However, being a newer beta version, some enhancements are expected compared to Beta 2. As Apple progresses through the betas, they aim to achieve a stable build.

One significant update is in the modem firmware, which has been updated from version 2.3.0 to 2.4.1. If you encountered modem issues in Beta 2, this update might resolve them.

New Features in iOS 18 Beta 3

Dark Mode Icons: One of the first noticeable changes is the new dark mode Maps icon. The icon in Beta 3 is brighter and more defined compared to Beta 2. Additionally, more third-party applications now support dark mode icons. By switching to dark mode in the Home Screen settings, you’ll notice a more cohesive look across various apps. Though not all third-party apps have a dark mode icon yet, Apple appears to be moving towards full dark mode support.

Emoji Keyboard: The emoji picker interface has been updated. The search bar at the top is now more rounded, and the emojis themselves are larger, making them easier to select. Moreover, Memoji stickers are now integrated into the emoji keyboard, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple menus to access them. A new "Add Memoji" option is also available directly within the emoji picker.

Dynamic Wallpapers: In the wallpaper settings, there is now a dynamic wallpaper option. This wallpaper changes colors and switches between light and dark mode throughout the day, adding a visually appealing touch to your home screen.

Flashlight UI: The flashlight control in the Dynamic Island has been improved. The new UI is more intuitive, making it easier to adjust the beam's intensity and focus. The overall animation and control are smoother and more descriptive.

Fitness App: The Fitness app has seen several changes. The "Custom Move Goal" has been renamed to "Move Goal Schedule," and the interface for setting goals has been updated with larger day labels and a new color scheme. Additionally, adjusting goals now increments by 20 calories instead of 10.

Photos App: In the Photos app, you can now select multiple photos without needing to fill the screen with the photo grid. The "Select" and "Search" options have switched places, and the "Search" icon is now blue. The animation when selecting photos has also been refined, and the corners of photos are no longer as rounded.

Control Center: An animated guide now appears in the Control Center settings, explaining how to navigate and use the Control Center. Additionally, the opacity of icons in the Control Center has been adjusted to be less opaque. Network settings now feature arrows for easier adjustment of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop settings.

Podcasts App: The Podcasts app has a new splash screen highlighting features like precise sharing, faster search, and more playback controls. You can now share a podcast episode from a specific time marker, similar to sharing a YouTube video from a specific timestamp.

Shortcuts App: Creating a new shortcut now has a smoother animation, and the introductory text has been updated for clarity.

Screen Time: Screen Time is now functional in Beta 3 after being broken in earlier versions. You can access the Screen Time settings without causing the app to crash.

Bug Fixes and Performance

The release notes for Beta 3 list several resolved issues but no major new features. The stability and performance of the software have improved, with fewer crashes and smoother interactions. However, initial Geekbench scores for Beta 3 are slightly lower than Beta 2, but this may change as the device continues to index.

Looking Ahead

iOS 18 Beta 4 is expected to release in 2-3 weeks, likely around late July. The first public beta is anticipated to launch the week of July 15th. The final iOS 18 release is projected for mid to late September.

iOS 18 Beta 3 brings several quality-of-life improvements, particularly in dark mode icons, the emoji keyboard, dynamic wallpapers, and fitness tracking. These updates, combined with ongoing bug fixes and performance enhancements, indicate steady progress towards the final release. Stay tuned for further updates and features as we approach the public beta and eventual full release of iOS 18.