Apple’s public betas for iOS 18 are here to test out | TechCrunch

Apple released the public betas for its next generation of software on the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch on Monday. You can now test out iOS 18 and many of its new features, except for Apple Intelligence which is coming to beta this fall, and provide feedback to Apple.

Anyone interested in trying out Apple’s upcoming software upgrades can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program on its website. There you can enroll your device to access early versions of these features. Some of the new features in iOS 18 are updated homescreen customization options. For instance, you can now place app icons and widgets wherever you’d like on your iOS Home Screen, and give all of them a colored tint.

Other features you can check out in the iOS 18 beta is the iPhone’s completely new layout in the Photos app. The Messages app is also getting new features, including the ability to use Tapbacks with any emoji or sticker you’d like. In Wallet, the iOS 18 beta will allow users early access to Tap to Cash, where Apple users can touch devices together to make in-person payments.

One feature we’re particularly excited to try in the iOS 18 beta is the ability to say “yes” or “no” to Siri by nodding your head while wearing AirPods Pros (you’ll need the 2nd generation for this one). This feature was unveiled during Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference in June.

Another feature that caught everyone’s attention during WWDC was Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s answer to our current AI craze. It will not be available in today’s public beta release. When it does come out, it will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.