Apple released the third developer beta of iOS 18 to developers on Monday, improving upon the new features that are set to roll out for everybody with stable release later this year.
One of the most notable additions in iOS 18 beta 3 is a new dynamic wallpaper that shifts colours based on the time of day. Dark Mode received significant attention in this update, with Apple extending its reach to third-party app icons.
For apps with simpler colour schemes, Apple automatically adjusts the icons, while more complex designs receive a darker tint.
The Photos app saw a minor but welcome change with the addition of a dedicated "Select" button on the main interface, streamlining the process of choosing multiple images. This update also reorganised the emoji, Memoji, and stickers interface in Messages, combining them into a single, more accessible menu.
Other improvements include a refined Flashlight interface with more intuitive controls for adjusting brightness and spread, and an updated RCS toggle in Messages settings that provides additional context about the feature's functionality.
The iOS 18 beta is currently available only to registered developers, with a public beta expected to launch later this month. Apple plans to release the final version of iOS 18 to all users this fall, likely in September alongside new
iPhone models.
As with all beta software, users should expect some performance and stability issues. Apple continues to refine the operating system based on tester feedback, addressing bugs and improving overall functionality with each release.