iOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia Public Betas Now Available to Everyone

Apple has released the first public betas of all its major operating system refreshes, ahead of the final launches expected around September this year. This means that anyone can get an early hands-on preview of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia. Interested users are however advised not to install beta software on any primary device that is used every day or has critical data stored on it. The experience might be unstable, and several changes are expected before each operating system is ready for its final public release.

To install the trial software, users can simply go to https://beta.apple.com and sign up for the company’s Beta Software Programme, and then choose Public Beta from the software update options on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. Updating an Apple Watch requires its paird iPhone to be running the iOS 18 beta.  

With these releases, Apple will be able to gather feedback from the general public, following three rounds of developer betas over the past few months. Apple first unveiled its latest generation of operating systems at its annual WWDC developer conference in June. However, several key features such as Apple Intelligence are not yet available for testing and might only be ready for use in early 2025.

Eager testers can submit feedback to Apple using the Feedback Assistant app that’s present in beta releases. While Apple’s directions are usually pretty set this close to the final release, it can still decide to withhold some features or reverse course on changes based on such feedback and public opinion. 

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 introduce new homescreen customisation options, allowing users to place app icons where they like on screen rather than in a fixed grid. Icons also now have a dark mode and can be customised with colour themes. The Control Centre layout can also now be customised, and the lockscreen torch and camera shortcuts can be reassigned. iPhone users will be able to exchange RCS messages with Android phone users, including the ability to share high-quality images, reactions, and formatted text. The Photos app has been completely overhauled, iPads finally get a calculator with Apple Pencil graphing support, and there’s a new Passwords app to store credentials securely.

Major features including a completely overhauled Siri which can scan your private data for context, as well as generative AI tools for text and images throughout the OS, will not be available at launch in all territories and all languages. 

MacOS Sequoia gains the ability to mirror your iPhone, so you can control it with a keyboard and trackpad, use apps, and respond to notifications even when it’s locked. A Game Mode and improved game porting tools should help give Mac users more entertainment options. There’s improved window management so multiple apps can take advantage of your screen space. Safari, FaceTime, and the Notes app get overhauls with improved features and usability. There will of course eventually be many of the same Apple Intelligence, Siri, and generative AI features as on other platforms, plus tighter security.

Apple Watch users will get new third-party widgets in the Smart Stack, including suggestions based on activities or time, and Live Activity widgets that show ongoing news or updates. Some types of workouts are more granular and new sports have been added. Users can also finally pause Activity Rings challenges so they don’t lose out on a streak when they need to take a break.