The iOS 18.1 update is expected to be released to the public on October 28, meaning there are still a few weeks of beta testing to go. On October 8, Apple launched the sixth beta of iOS 18.1 to developers, and it introduces several notable updates for iPhone users. The beta is now available for download, with build number 22B5069a, and the public beta has also been released.
To access the new beta, you can go to Settings > General > Software Update on your device. Additionally, Apple has released other beta updates, including iPadOS 18.1 beta 6, macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 5, watchOS 11.1 beta 4, tvOS 18.1 beta 4, and visionOS 2.1 beta 4.
New Features in iOS 18.1 Beta 6
Several new additions have been made in this beta version. Four new modules have appeared in Control Center, including separate icons for AirDrop, satellite communication, the tape measure, and level functions. The Notes app also features a redesigned Apple Intelligence icon, now represented by a pencil.
Aggregated notifications now display a badge with the total number of notifications from an app, a small but important tweak from the previous design. In addition, the beta includes new explanatory screens for Messages, Mail, and the App Store, with the App Store highlighting improvements in the search function.
For iPhone 16 users, the camera interface has been updated to include a small bar on the right side during use. Another subtle improvement is the new fade-out animation for the yellow and green indicators that appear on Live Island when the microphone and camera are no longer in use.
Integration and More Updates
Music sharing also gets an upgrade in iOS 18.1 beta 6, with Apple Music allowing users to easily share songs to TikTok, building on the existing Instagram integration. Furthermore, both iOS 18.1 beta 6 and watchOS 11.1 beta 4 add support for sleep apnea recognition, adds NIX Solutions.
Within the Settings app, a new notification prompts users to ask Siri how to modify settings on their device, another feature powered by Apple Intelligence. Additionally, the Wallet app sees a slight modification to the Apple Card interface.
As the iOS 18.1 launch date approaches, more changes could still emerge. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.