Apple released the iOS 18 Beta 2 update to developers for the first time today (6/25), and the second beta build number is 22A5297f, which is mainly based on the previous version, adding a number of new features and improvements, including a new iPhone screen mirroring, advanced SharePlay screen sharing, RCS communication services and other features, this time I will sort out the highlights of the new features brought by iOS 18 Beta 2.
What's new in iOS 18 beta2
1. iPhone RCS通讯新功能
Last year, Apple said that it would launch RCS instant messaging service for the iPhone in 2024, mainly for MMS and SMS text message improvements, which is equivalent to allowing Android devices to use RCS to exchange text messages with the iPhone, and can use RCS to achieve read receipts, input status, high-quality image and video transmission and other functions.
Now in the iOS 18 Beta 2 beta version, Apple has also officially added the RCS communication service function to the iPhone, but at present, the function switch appears in the system information settings in advance, but the RCS function has not yet been officially enabled. If it is a foreign carrier, the RSC will be displayed in the iPhone information settings.
- Messages new feature for satellite communication
Apple announced that it added the iPhone messaging feature in iOS 18, and now it has officially added this new feature in iOS 18 Beta 2, which allows users to send iMessages via satellite even when there is no mobile network or Wi-Fi signal, but this feature is not available in China.
3. Added dark color adjustment in iOS 18 desktop app
Previously, the first beta version of iOS 18 added the "Apply Color Adjustment" function, which can only adjust the dark theme style through the sun symbol in the upper left corner of the "Different Tones" page, but now in iOS 18 Beta 2, it has been fully changed to automatic, dark and light color selection.
In iOS 18 Beta 2, Apple added a new dark mode icon to the App Store, and the dark mode coloring of other icons was also slightly tweaked.
4. Improved Control Center "Power Button"
Apple added an additional "shutdown button" to the iOS 18 Control Center, and the latest iOS 18 Beta 2 has also fine-tuned this function, changing it to require a long press of the shutdown button to fill in the shutdown page, unlike the previous one-click button, the advantage is to avoid the chance of accidental touches.
5. Identify music widget options for style adjustment
In iOS 18 Bet2 Control Center, there are also minor adjustments to the recognition of music widgets, and the new version removes the recognition of music and logo functions at the top, and only retains the function options.
6. iCloud style adjustment
In iOS 18 Beta 2, the style of the iCloud+ page has also been adjusted, with a red bar and red light warning if there is not enough cloud storage, which will be different from the previous Beta 1 version, and the options will be slightly lowered.
7.iPadOS 18 支持格式化外接硬盘
The new feature is implemented in the Files app, where users can right-click or long-press on an external drive and select the "Erase" option. Supported format options include APFS (case-sensitive or encrypted), ExFAT, and MS-DOS (FAT).
This is a significant improvement for iPad users and shows that Apple is bringing more Mac features to iOS/iPadOS. In addition, iPadOS 18 Files introduces a new option to "Keep Downloads" to address an issue where files are automatically moved back to the cloud.
Formatting an external hard drive directly on your iPhone or iPad means that we no longer need a Mac computer as a relay, and we can easily manage external hard drives directly on our mobile device. This is undoubtedly great news for friends who often work outside the home!
8. Translation App New Feature Prompt
After upgrading to iOS 18 Beta 2, opening the Translate app for the first time will pop up a feature prompt page, with new features such as "Conversation Display", "Automatic Translation" and "System-wide Translation", as well as asking if you want to share the recording with Apple, which can be used to improve Siri and dictation.
9. Fix the new Siri cracker vulnerability
Apple has discovered that some iPhone users have cracked the new Siri animations directly through other means, and this vulnerability has been patched in iOS 18 Beta 2.
10. Restore file dump photo function
Previously, the old version of iOS was able to transfer pictures from the Files app directly to an album, but this feature was removed in iOS 18 Beta 1, and now iOS 18 Beta 2 brings back this useful file transfer photo feature.
11. Support iPhone mirroring function
The iPhone mirroring feature demonstrated by Apple in WWDC24 is now available in iOS 18 beta 2 and needs to be paired with a Mac running macOS Sequoia beta 2.
The first time you use the mirroring function, you need to enter a password on your iPhone to authorize, and then you can connect and use it directly. The connection speed and smoothness are fantastic. After testing, the current version of iPhone Mirror supports cross-screen pasting and sending files, but requires the right mouse button and keyboard shortcuts cannot be operated. At the same time, when the iPhone is locked, the Mac can also receive app notifications from the iPhone normally, and click the notification to directly run the iPhone mirror to view.
The current version of iPhone mirroring obviously does not have perfect features, including typing stuttering, no support for keyboard shortcuts, no ability to resize the interface, and it is not convenient enough to transfer files across screens or paste content, and we look forward to the optimization of subsequent versions.
12.进阶版 SharePlay 屏幕共享
This should be an enhanced version of SharePlay, which Apple describes as follows: With the enhanced screen sharing feature, users can share the screen with others or remotely operate each other's iPhone/iPad, which is suitable for scenarios such as remote teaching or online troubleshooting.
13. Musical haptic feedback
iOS 18 also brings the previously announced "Music Haptic Feedback" function, which we can turn on in Settings - Accessibility - Music Haptic Feedback.
After opening, the iPhone will follow the rhythm of the music and provide different vibration effects, interested partners can try it~ At present, "Music Haptic Feedback" only supports the music application that comes with the iOS system, and it should also be adapted to third-party music playback software in the future.
14. Phone permission prompt
After upgrading to iOS 18 beta 2, the first time you launch the Phone app, you'll see a pop-up window showing the permissions required for the phone, with a new permission to record voice calls at the bottom. However, the call recording is still not online in beta 2, and it should still be in the preparation stage.
15. Modification of the function of the iPad system in the European Union
In the latest iPadOS 18 Beta 2, Apple has made significant changes to the provisions of the Digital Markets Act in the European Union, including the ability to replace browser engines, third-party App Stores, and more.
16. Password App Optimization
A new "+" sign has been added in the lower right corner of the password app, and you can customize the new password, while you need to click "All" in the password app before.
iOS 18 Beta 2 更新总结
These are the new features and changes brought by the second beta of iOS 18 Beta 2, and this update also adds a lot of useful new features, such as iPhone mirroring, advanced SharePlay screen sharing, iPad formatting, and even a complete overhaul of the app's style and features.
Vocabulary analysis
- RCS Communication Service: A new type of instant messaging protocol designed to replace traditional SMS and MMS.
- Satellite communication: Communication via satellite can be used in areas where there is no mobile network coverage.
- Dark theme: An interface display mode with a dark background to help you use it at night and save power.
- Format the external hard drive: Initialize the external hard drive, erase all data, and set the file system.
- SharePlay Screen Sharing: A feature that allows users to share screen content in a call or remotely control each other's devices.
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