See What’s New in iOS 18.1 Beta 2 and iOS 18 Beta 6
Apple is testing iOS 18 and the first update, with the second betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 released today, alongside the sixth betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
iOS 18.1 updates align with standard betas, including recent updates to Photos and Safari, while iOS 18 focuses on finalizing features and preparing for launch, with many changes aimed at synchronizing betas.
Photos Redesign (iOS 18.1)
Apple has streamlined the redesigned “Photos” app for iOS 18 to make it less confusing and repetitive. The all-in-one design remains, but the carousel has been removed. These design changes were introduced in the standard iOS 18 update and have been incorporated into iOS 18.1.
iOS 18 now allows users to access Collections by scrolling down from the main library view, which includes custom albums and content previously in the For You section. The Photo Library now displays more images at once, and albums are moved higher by default for easier access. Recently Saved content has been integrated into Recent Days for easier navigation.
Distraction Control in Safari (iOS 18.1)
Distraction Control is a new Safari option that lets you hide distracting elements from webpages and articles. You can use the feature to get rid of sign-in windows, cookie preference popups, newsletter signup videos, GDPR banners, and autoplay videos, among other things.
Distraction Control is not a tool for hiding ads, as it is designed for static content and cannot be used for dynamic content. To access Distraction Control, open Safari, select page settings, and tap on Hide Distracting Items. Tap on an element on the page you want to hide from view. If you don’t see the option, tap on the three dots in the settings and choose Edit to add it to your quick access options.
Hidden content on a webpage will remain blocked from view unless dynamic content is present. To restore a webpage to default, tap on Show Hidden Items in the same options. Hidging a cookie banner or GDPR popup is the same as closing the banner without submitting website preferences. Distraction Control settings are on-device and do not sync across devices. It was added to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 last week and is now in the.1 betas.
Photo App Collection (iOS 18 Beta 6)
Apple has updated the Photos app in iOS 18 beta 6, introducing a redesigned Albums Collection with each album having a separate card with a main thumbnail on the left, replacing previous versions’ small thumbnails.
Control Center (All Betas)
A new toggle for turning Bluetooth on and off has been added to Control Center, separate from the general communication controls, and can be added to any Control Center page.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max now offer the option to add a Bluetooth toggle to the Lock Screen, replace the Camera or Flashlight, or assign it to the Action Button. The Control Center icons have been organized in a gallery, with options for Camera, Scan QR Code, Magnifier, and Silent Mode added under Sounds.
Dark Mode Notification Icons (All Betas)
Dark Mode icons enable proper display of notifications from apps with a dark mode icon, instead of the light mode icon.
In iOS 18.1 beta 2, dark mode icons require both ‘Dark Mode’ and ‘Dark Mode’ icons to be enabled for notifications to display a darker icon, while in iOS 18 beta 6, dark mode icons are displayed without dark mode.
Splash Screens (All Betas)
Apple is preparing for the launch of iOS 18 with new splash screens for various apps, suggesting that the base version of iOS 18 is nearing completion, which will be installed on iPhone 16 models.
Apple Intelligence Localization (iOS 18.1)
Apple Intelligence has introduced new localized English versions in the second 18.1 beta, including options in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Singapore, in addition to the existing U.S., UK, and Australia options. No non-English language support is yet available.
Apple Intelligence in EU (iOS 18.1)
Apple Intelligence has been enabled and used by multiple European Union residents by setting their region to the United States and language to U.S. English.
Icon Tints (All Betas)
Tints applied to icons to match wallpapers are now linked to the specific wallpaper, and when the wallpaper is changed, the icons will also be adjusted to match the new color.
