As a result of the first Apple Intelligence features being delayed, iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 are currently in beta testing simultaneously.
New Features:
iOS 18 introduces new customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center, a redesigned Photos app, numerous enhancements to the Messages app, an option to lock apps behind Face ID or Touch ID, and much more. The highlight of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, but the rollout of these artificial intelligence features was pushed back to iOS 18.1.
On the other hand, the fifth developer beta of iOS 18 includes some changes that are not yet available in the first iOS 18.1 developer beta, including the new Distraction Control tool in Safari for erasing distracting elements from a web page. That feature and the other changes should be added to later iOS 18.1 beta versions.
Read our in-depth iOS 18 roundup to learn more about the update.
iOS 18.1:
The first Apple Intelligence features are now available to test in the iOS 18.1 developer beta, which is only available for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max currently. The features available to try so far include new writing tools, suggested replies in the Messages app, email summarization, phone call recording, and more.
Release Timing:
iOS 18 will likely be released in mid-September, based on the timing of previous major releases.
iOS 18.1 will likely be released in late October, based on the timing of previous similar updates.
Latest Versions:
As of August 9, the latest iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 betas are as follows:
iOS 18 Developer Beta 5
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iOS 18 Public Beta 3
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iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 1
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iOS 18.1 Public Beta not currently available
How to Install Betas:
Developer Betas:
To enroll in Apple’s developer beta program, visit developer.apple.com, sign in to your Apple ID, and accept the terms and conditions of the Apple Developer Agreement.
Public Betas:
To enroll in Apple’s free public beta program, visit beta.apple.com, sign in to your Apple ID, and accept the terms and conditions.
Compatible iPhones:
iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is:
iPhone 15
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iPhone 15 Plus
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iPhone 15 Pro
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iPhone 15 Pro Max
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iPhone 14
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iPhone 14 Plus
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iPhone 14 Pro
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iPhone 14 Pro Max
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iPhone 13 mini
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iPhone 13
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iPhone 13 Pro
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iPhone 13 Pro Max
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iPhone 12 mini
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iPhone 12
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iPhone 12 Pro
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
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iPhone 11
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iPhone 11 Pro
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iPhone 11 Pro Max
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iPhone XS
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iPhone XS Max
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iPhone XR
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iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/09/ios-18-vs-ios-18-1/