Apple releases iOS 18 public beta for iPhone — Here's what's new and how to get it

Apple on Monday released a preview version of its big new iPhone update.

The iOS 18 public preview is a beta version of the software that will launch alongside new iPhones this fall, allowing Apple fans and developers to test the newest features before they officially launch and identify bugs before all iPhone users install the new software.

This year, however, the most important new service isn't in the public beta: Apple Intelligence. In June, Apple announced that some of its newer devices would be able to access Apple's AI service that can answer questions intelligently, control your iPhone, and even generate images.

Apple said that Apple Intelligence will be released in a beta version this fall and users will be able to try it out this summer. Some of the promised Apple Intelligence features, such as ChatGPT integration, and some Siri improvements, aren't expected to be released until later this year.

However, there are still many changes in this version of iOS that will change the way that iPhones look and feel and could surprise users when they first install the software. Apple has updated several of the core user interface elements of the device, including the lock screen, home screen, and Control Center to support a wider range of colors and customization.

Top apps such as Photos have been redesigned. Messages is more colorful and supports emoji reactions. Users can even change all their app icons to the same color.

Many of these look-and-feel features have been available to Android users for years, but they will be new to longtime iPhone users and are part of a multiyear process in which Apple is opening up the formerly rigid iPhone software design to greater visual customization, after last year's release redesigned