Apple releases beta 5 for iOS 18, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS 15, and visionOS 2

The summer beta rhythm has started at Apple, with a new test version aimed at developers, whether on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Mac or Vision Pro.

After an initial beta allowing us to discover some of the new features announced, Apple is gradually integrating the rest.

EDIT of 06/24 : Apple has released beta 2 to developers.

EDIT of 07/07 : Apple has released beta 3 to developers, public testers will follow very soon.

EDIT of 07/15 : Apple has released a 3rd “revised” beta for iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15.

EDIT of 07/23 : Apple releases 4th beta to developers.

EDIT of 07/26 : Apple releases revised version of iOS 18 beta 4.

EDIT of 05/08 : Apple has released a 5th beta to developers.

iOS 18

Apple has made available the new beta of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. To download it, you must be registered in the beta program and then go to your iPhone settings to install iOS 18. Also make sure you have enabled developer mode in Settings > “Privacy and security”.

After getting a sneak peek at what’s new in iOS 18 at WWDC 24, Apple didn’t quite finish with the first beta. We haven’t gotten to test the Apple Intelligence part, the new Siri, the new Mail, and more. But the home screen customization is already here, as are a bunch of smaller changes.

Here are the changes in Beta 2:

• iPadOS 18 includes alternative app stores and other European changes
• An RCS option is available in the USA
• The App Store icon finally supports dark mode
• In the “Passwords” app, there is a “+” button in the main view to add a new item without having to tap the “All” icon.
• The virtual “power off” button in Control Center has a more pronounced haptic feel when you press it, and it only triggers when you actually press it, rather than just brushing against it.
• Many bugs have appeared: very weak speaker sound, choppy media playback, slowness, etc.

Here are the changes in Beta 3:

• RCS is coming to iPhone in France, but apparently only at SFR. In Canada too.
• Apple is applying a dark effect to all icons, not just its apps. Facebook, Slack, Signal, YouTube and others are seamlessly integrated. Others like iSoft, the white is slightly toned down.
• Apple has added a “Select” button to choose multiple images in the main Photos interface, so you no longer have to swipe down to reach it.
  With this change, the Search button is now just a magnifying glass, but it’s highlighted in blue to make it stand out more.
• In Messages, emoji, Memoji, and stickers have been consolidated into a single interface, which can be navigated using the tiny icons at the bottom of the screen. You can create stickers and Memoji from this interface, and you can use stickers directly in your messages just like you can use emoji. Apple likely made these changes in preparation for the launch of Apple Intelligence, Genmoji, and Image Playground.
• In Wallpapers, there is a dynamic version of the iOS 18 wallpaper that changes from one color to another depending on the time of day.
• When you enable the flashlight, you have a larger, more intuitive interface to change the brightness and range of the LED flash used for the flashlight function.
• The RCS interface in the Messages section of the Settings app has changed. Rather than appearing as a simple on/off button, it’s now a menu that provides additional context. Apple explains that sending and receiving messages with RCS uses wireless data, and cellular network identifiers may be shared with carriers and their partners.

Here’s what’s new in Beta 4:

• The old widgets, called “Today”, are disabled by Apple. They were introduced with iOS 8, while modern widgets were added in iOS 14.
• Apple has added light mode and dark mode wallpapers for CarPlay, mirroring those added on the iPhone.
• Apple has added a new way to access iCloud settings in the Settings app. The iCloud option is now associated with App Store, Game Center, and Wallet.
• In the Camera section of the Settings app, a new “Control menu” option is available under “Preserve settings.” The control menu preserves the previously used camera tool when expanding the control menu rather than showing the full list of camera control options when using the Camera app.
• Apple has changed the design of the Hidden folder in the App Library with empty app squares.
• Dark mode and light mode icons are now properly synced with general mode settings when using the “Automatic” setting in the Customize section.
• Apple has changed the design of the Stocks app icon. The lines are more subtle and there is no longer a white veil on the bottom part of the icon.
• There is a new Control Center button for Bluetooth, but it doesn’t work yet. Apple also added a Mute button and an Eye Mirroring Accessibility option. The “Open Music” Control Center option has been removed.
• New types of Siri and Apple Watch Mirroring options are available for AssistiveTouch.
• There are additional references to Apple Intelligence features, suggesting that Apple continues to prepare to implement AI very soon.

Here’s what’s new in Beta 5:

• Apple has finally added the “distraction control” feature in Safari to hide certain elements of a website.

tvOS 18

On the Apple TV side, tvOS 18 is also available to all developers. If your box is set up to receive betas, go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software.

As every year, the new features of tvOS 18 are meager, but with some interesting additions like automatic subtitles or the InSight function which gives information on a scene in progress.

Here are the changes in Beta 3:

• The InSight feature is now available.

watchOS 11

Regarding watchOS 11, Apple Watches from Series 6 (or SE 2022) can install it by taking care to have downloaded iOS 18 on the paired iPhone. You also have to be a developer, obviously.

As seen in early June, watchOS 11 has a lot of new features, including training load, vital signs, new watch faces and more.

Here are the changes in Beta 2:

MacOS 15 Sequoia

Apple is also offering macOS 15 Sequoia on Mac. To install the macOS Sequoia beta, you need to have a developer account (free), then go to System Settings > General > Software Update. Then go to “Beta Update” to enable the beta.

For the Mac, the major update announced at WWDC offers a nice dose of new features, much of which is related to iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence. For example, we appreciate automatic windowing.

Here are the changes in Beta 2:

• Wireless iPhone mirroring with full control from Mac
• Collaborative screen sharing via SharePlay

Here are the changes in Beta 4:

• When using iPhone Mirroring with macOS Sequoia beta 4, you can change the size of the iPhone window on your Mac’s screen.

visionOS 2

To install visionOS 2.0 in beta, you obviously need to have the headset, but also be an Apple developer. The new features are discreet but practical, such as the extension of the Mac desktop in higher resolutions, the recognition of the Mac keyboard in the virtual environment, an improved guest mode, a travel mode for the train or even new gestures to access system features such as the time.

Before updating, back up your Apple Vision Pro, then go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Here are the changes in Beta 2: