In an exciting development, Apple has made the first public betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 available to beta testers. This marks the first time the general public can access the new software since its announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Previously, Apple had released three developer betas, with the first public beta offering the same content as the third developer beta. Public beta testers who have enrolled in Apple's beta testing program can download the updates by navigating to the Settings app, then General, followed by the Software Update section, and selecting the iOS 18 Public Beta option.

It is important to note that beta versions may contain bugs, potential battery issues, and other complexities. Therefore, it is advisable to install the software on secondary devices or create backups to downgrade back to iOS 17 if needed.

Among the notable features introduced in iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI features deeply integrated into the operating system. Although not yet live in the betas, this update brings Writing Tools for text rewriting, polishing, proofreading, and summarization across apps. Additionally, users can generate custom images with the Image Playground feature and enjoy custom emoji through Genmoji. Siri also receives a complete overhaul.

In addition to AI features, iOS 18 offers a redesigned Home Screen, allowing users to rearrange app icons and widgets with open spaces. Dark Mode enthusiasts will be pleased with the new tint option and darker colors. Control Center has also received a revamp, providing users with the freedom to choose and prioritize their preferred controls from the new Controls Gallery. Multiple pages enable the grouping of related controls, and sizes can be customized. Moreover, the Flashlight and Camera icons can be swapped out on the Lock Screen, and Control Center options are available for the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button.

The Messages app in iOS 18 now supports scheduled texts, the use of any emoji for the Tapback feature, and the ability to send messages via satellite. Users can apply special text effects and formatting options such as bold and italic to enhance their messaging experience. Additionally, Apple has added support for RCS in texts sent to Android users, ensuring a seamless transfer of images, files, and the visibility of indicators and read receipts over Wi-Fi.

Safari gains the ability to summarize webpages and display important information at a glance, while the Photos app has been redesigned to prioritize the showcasing of users' best photos. A dedicated Passwords app simplifies access to saved passwords and logins, and users now have the option to lock any app using Face ID or Touch ID.

The updates to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 come with a plethora of additional features, too numerous to list here. For a more comprehensive overview, interested users can refer to Apple's iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 roundups.

With these exciting new features and updates, Apple aims to enhance the user experience on both iPhones and iPads. As the public beta testing phase begins, users will have the opportunity to explore and provide valuable feedback to help Apple refine and improve its latest operating systems.