iOS 18 Developer Beta 6: What’s New for Your iPhone
Apple has just released the sixth developer beta for iOS 18, edging us closer to the public beta. This latest update, Beta 6, focuses primarily on enhancing performance and squashing bugs. However, there are a few notable tweaks, particularly in FaceTime, Siri, and the Apple Wallet.
Speeding Up Beta Releases
Apple is picking up the pace with its iOS 18 updates. Beta 6 arrives just a week after Beta 5, signaling that the development process is moving swiftly. For developers who are testing the waters by installing this beta on their iPhones, there are some new features to explore, though it’s not something we recommend for casual users.
Enhancements in FaceTime
One of the more subtle updates in Beta 6 involves FaceTime. When using FaceTime in Low Data Mode, the app now can use more data when network conditions allow. This improvement is aimed at enhancing video call quality, ensuring that your conversations are as clear as possible when the connection is strong.
New Features for Journaling Suggestions
Introduced with iOS 17.2, Journaling Suggestions was designed to help users reflect on their daily experiences by offering prompts based on personal events like places visited or frequently played songs. With Beta 6, Apple has expanded on this feature by adding support for landscape mode and introducing new Reflection prompts. The prompts now include names of people and pets from your Photos, as well as improved suggestions for trips and notable places you’ve visited.
Siri and CarPlay Get an Audio Boost
Siri also sees an upgrade in Beta 6, specifically when used with CarPlay via Bluetooth. A new option called “Respond over Media Source” promises significantly improved audio quality when interacting with Siri in your car. This feature should be accessible within both Siri and CarPlay settings once enabled.
Apple Wallet Introduces Live Photo for ID Verification
To enhance security and prevent fraud, Apple is adding a new feature to Apple Wallet. When adding an ID to your iPhone, you might be prompted to take a Live Photo instead of, or in addition to, a standard image. This involves taking a series of head and facial movements, which your iPhone will evaluate to ensure the photo is of a live person and matches the ID being submitted. While the exact circumstances under which this feature is triggered remain unclear, it marks a step forward in secure identity verification.
What’s Next for iOS 18?
If you’re cautious about installing the developer beta, you won’t have to wait long for the full release. Apple has confirmed that iOS 18 will officially launch this fall, likely alongside the new iPhone 16. This means that the full operating system update will soon be available for your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. As usual, changes and fixes introduced in the developer beta will likely appear in the public beta within about a week, offering a more stable experience for those interested in testing the new features early.
