Apple’s concurrent beta testing of iOS 18 and its first update, iOS 18.1, has brought forth a series of interesting changes and improvements. The recent release of the second betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 alongside the sixth betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15 has given us a glimpse into what Apple has in store for its users.
Everything New in iOS 18.1 Beta 2 and iOS 18 Beta 6
The overarching theme of these updates seems to be refinement and consolidation. iOS 18.1 is primarily focused on aligning itself with the standard betas, incorporating features that were recently introduced in iOS 18, such as the changes to the Photos app and the addition of Distraction Control in Safari. On the other hand, iOS 18 is undergoing final touches, with Apple ironing out any remaining kinks before its official launch.
A More Intuitive Photos Experience
The Photos app has received significant attention in both betas. In iOS 18.1, Apple has streamlined the redesigned app by removing the carousel, aiming to make it less confusing and repetitive. Collections are now accessed solely by scrolling down from the main library view, and the Photo Library displays more images at once, making it easier to navigate your photo collection. Meanwhile, iOS 18 beta 6 introduces a revamped look for the Albums Collection, with each album now presented on a separate card with a prominent thumbnail.
Taking Control of Your Browsing Experience
Safari in iOS 18.1 now boasts a new feature called Distraction Control, which allows you to hide distracting elements from webpages and articles. While it won’t block ads, it can effectively eliminate static elements like sign-in windows, cookie banners, and newsletter signup popups, offering a cleaner and more focused browsing experience.
Other Noteworthy Enhancements
Beyond the major changes, both betas bring a slew of smaller yet impactful improvements. Control Center has been enhanced with a dedicated Bluetooth toggle, and Dark Mode notification icons now display correctly even without Dark Mode enabled. New splash screens for several apps hint at the imminent launch of iOS 18, and icon tints are now linked to wallpapers, providing a more cohesive visual experience.
A Glimpse into the Future
These updates offer a fascinating preview of what’s to come with the official release of iOS 18 and iOS 18.1. Apple is clearly dedicated to refining and perfecting the user experience, and these betas demonstrate their commitment to delivering a polished and feature-rich operating system. As we eagerly await the launch of the iPhone 16 models, these updates give us a taste of the exciting new possibilities that lie ahead.
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