Alright, iPhone users, it’s time to address some confusion. As many of you are aware, the iOS 18 developer beta has been accessible since the conclusion of the WWDC Keynote nearly two weeks ago. The public beta for iOS 18 will begin next month. Apple previously required a $99 fee for developer recognition, but this is no longer the case. If you want early access to new iOS 18 features, you can now install the developer beta.
One of the new features included in the iOS 18 developer beta is the ability to customize home screen app icons by moving and changing their colors. The Control Center now includes a power-off button in the upper right corner, among other updates. The developer beta does not include any Apple Intelligence AI features, and Siri remains the same underperforming virtual digital assistant she has been for the past few years.
As previously mentioned, the iOS 18 developer beta lacks stability, so it is important to back up your data before installation. Additionally, essential features may not function properly, and your battery life may be affected.
Today, Apple released a public beta, but it was not for iOS 18. Users with a compatible iPhone can install iOS 17.6 beta 1. If you are already enrolled in the iOS Beta Program, you can access the iOS 17 Public Beta by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Once you select iOS 17 Public Beta, you will receive an invitation to install the update. It is possible that the iOS 17.6 update may be the final update before the release of iOS 18.
The iOS 17.6 beta 1 update is expected to be more stable compared to the iOS 18 developer beta, although there may not be any particularly exciting features to motivate users to install it. One exception is for sports fans with an MLS Season Pass subscription. For those watching a live-streamed MLS contest, the new “Catch Up” feature in iOS 17.6 will display highlights from the beginning of the game up until the point you started watching. These highlights will be accessible through the Key Plays carousel on the main menu if you join a game in progress. Post-game, the highlights can be accessed from the video player controls menu.
The “Catch Up” feature, available on iOS 17.6 beta 1, is not related to the tomato paste you put on your burger and fries. If you are a fan of MLS, you may want to consider installing it, although it is a beta release and should be installed at your own risk. Apple also released iPadOS 17.6 beta 1 and macOS 14.6 beta 1 today.
