Apple is currently beta testing both iOS 18 and its first update, iOS 18.1. Today, the second betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 were released, along with the sixth betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15. Many updates in iOS 18.1 align it with the standard iOS 18 betas, which have recently received updates to photos and Safari. The updates in iOS 18 focus on finalizing features and preparing the software for launch.
Photos App Redesign
The redesigned photos app in iOS 18 has received mixed reviews, so Apple has streamlined it before launch. The all-in-one design remains, but Apple removed the carousel to make the app less confusing. Apple introduced these design changes in the standard iOS 18 update last week and has now brought them to iOS 18.1.
Previously, you could swipe left or right to access various collections. Now, collections are accessed by scrolling down from the main library view. These include your custom albums and content previously in the For You section, like featured images, videos, favorites, and memories.
The photo library now shows more images at once in the grid. Albums are also displayed higher by default, making them easier to find. Recently saved content is integrated into recent days, simplifying its discovery.
Safari Distraction Control
A new Safari feature called distraction control allows you to hide distracting elements from webpages and articles. You can use this feature to eliminate sign-in windows, cookie preference popups, newsletter signups, and autoplay videos.
However, distraction control is not an ad blocker. It is designed to hide static content, not dynamic content like ads, which will reappear if the page refreshes. Access distraction control by opening Safari, selecting page settings, and tapping “hide distracting items.” If you don’t see this option, tap the three dots in settings and choose “edit” to add it to your quick access options.
The feature blocks distracting elements as long as they are static. To restore a webpage to its original state, go to the same options and tap “show hidden items.” Note that hiding cookie banners or GDPR popups is similar to closing them without submitting preferences. Distraction control settings are on-device and must be set up individually on each device.
Distraction control was added to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 last week and is now available in the iOS 18.1 betas.
Further Photos App Tweaks
In iOS 18 beta 6, Apple further tweaked the photos app, redesigning the albums collection. Each album now has a separate card with a main thumbnail on the left. Previous versions displayed the album name on the left with a collection of small thumbnails.
Control Center Updates
The control center now has a new toggle for turning Bluetooth on and off. It is separate from the general communication controls and can be added to any control center page. You can also add the Bluetooth toggle to the lock screen or assign it to the action button on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Control center icons have been reorganized in the gallery. A “capture” section now includes options like camera, scan QR code, and magnifier. Silent mode has been added under sounds.
Dark Mode Notification Icons
When dark mode icons are enabled, notifications from apps with a dark mode icon will display correctly. In iOS 18.1 beta 2, both dark mode and dark mode icons must be enabled for notifications to show the darker icon. However, in iOS 18 beta 6, the dark mode icon appears when the darker icons are turned on, without requiring dark mode.
Splash Screens
As Apple prepares for the launch of iOS 18, new splash screens have been added for photos, translate, podcasts, home, Apple TV, calculator, and notes. These splash screens suggest that the base version of iOS 18 is nearing completion.
Apple Intelligence Localization
Apple Intelligence includes new localized versions of English in the second iOS 18.1 beta. Options include Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Singapore, in addition to the existing U.S., UK, and Australia options. Non-English language support has not been added yet but is expected later this year and in 2025.
Apple Intelligence in EU
Users in the European Union can use Apple Intelligence by setting their region to the United States and language to U.S. English.
Icon Tints and Wallpaper
Icon tints now match wallpapers rather than the system. When you change your wallpaper, your icons will change too if you’ve tinted them to match the wallpaper color.
Apple Music Tab Change
The browse tab in Apple Music is now called the “new” tab.
Spotlight Search Update
In iOS 18.1 beta 2, there is no option to access spotlight search by swiping down from the lock screen. This may be a bug.
Mail Upgrade Warning
Apple has issued a warning for developers with iOS 18 beta 5 who are considering upgrading to the iOS 18.1 beta. All their mail may be redownloaded.
More Features
Stay tuned for more updates and features as we approach the official release of iOS 18.
