Apple has released updated third betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to registered developers for testing purposes. These new software updates come just a week after the initial release of the third betas.

To opt into the betas, developers can simply navigate to the Settings app, go to the Software Update section, tap on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggle on the ‌iOS 18‌/‌iPadOS 18‌‌ Developer Beta setting. It's important to note that a valid Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta versions.

One of the exciting features introduced in ‌iOS 18‌ is Apple Intelligence, a set of artificial intelligence capabilities deeply integrated into the operating system. While these features won't be available until later in the beta testing process, they include enhancements for refining and editing written content, generating images and emojis, and most notably, improving the functionality of Siri and search. ‌Siri‌ now possesses improved contextual awareness, better understanding of natural language, and integration with ChatGPT for handling more complex queries.

Although Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads with an M-series chip, there are several other notable features coming with ‌iOS 18‌. Users will have the ability to rearrange Home screen apps and create open spaces, along with a dark mode for app icons and various tinting options. The Control Center is now customizable, allowing third-party developers to add controls for their apps. Users can even replace or remove the Lock Screen Flashlight and Camera icons.

The messaging app Messages is receiving several updates, such as Rich Communication Services support for enhanced conversations with Android users, the option to schedule texts for later sending, new text effects, messages over satellite when there's no cellular coverage, and the ability to use any emoji for Tapback responses.

‌iOS 18‌ introduces a dedicated Passwords app for managing logins, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. Additionally, users now have the option to lock and hide apps, ensuring that they can't be opened without secondary Face ID or Touch ID authentication, even when the phone is unlocked.

Other notable features introduced in ‌iOS 18‌ include a highlights feature in Safari that summarizes articles and surfaces key information on websites, an overhauled interface for the Photos app, and a new Tap to Cash feature that enables secure money transfers through Apple Cash. Furthermore, the Notes app now offers equation solving and voice memo transcription, a game mode has been introduced for optimizing game performance, and there's an option to respond to ‌Siri‌ on AirPods with head gestures.

Currently, ‌iOS 18‌ is exclusively available to registered developers. However, as Apple announced in June, a public beta is expected to be released sometime in July, allowing a wider group of users to test and experience the new features and improvements brought by the latest iteration of the iOS platform.