iOS 18.2 Beta 3 - Update to Photos App & More
### Apple Releases iOS 18.2 Beta 3: New Features and Updates Revealed
#### Introduction
Today is Monday, November 11th, a Federal holiday in the US. Typically, we don’t see any software updates or betas on federal holidays. However, Apple seems to be pushing ahead with its plans to release iOS 18.2 sooner rather than later. As expected, iOS 18.2 beta 3 was released today for registered developers. This update brings significant improvements, particularly to the Photos application, which has been a focal point of discussion in recent updates. Additionally, there are changes to writing tools and UI enhancements that we’ll dive into below.
#### Beta Release and Versioning
The release of iOS 18.2 beta 3 marks the third iteration of this beta, with the build number ending on the letter 'e.' This typically suggests that there may be one or two more betas before the release candidate (RC) and the official launch. According to rumors from Mark Gman, iOS 18.2 is expected to hit devices worldwide by December 2nd, a Monday.
It’s worth noting that Apple has also released corresponding beta updates for other devices today:
- iPadOS 18.2 beta 3 for iPads.
- macOS 15.2 beta 3 for Macs.
- tvOS 18.2 beta 2 for Apple TVs.
- watchOS 11.2 beta 2 for Apple Watches.
Some users have reported issues with installing the latest beta for watchOS, so if you’re experiencing any problems, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
#### New Writing Tools and Menu Improvements
One of the standout features in this beta is the introduction of new writing tools within the context menu. For example, when you bring up the context menu on a sentence, you’ll now see a “Writing Tools” option prominently featured in the first section of the popup. This makes it easier to access writing tools without digging through submenus, streamlining the user experience.
#### Photos Application Updates
The Photos app has undergone several changes in iOS 18, and these updates continue to evolve with each beta. To demonstrate the differences, the video shows a comparison between an iPhone running iOS 18.1 on the left and another iPhone with iOS 18.2 beta 3 on the right.
When tapping on videos or photos, the behavior has changed:
- On the older version (left), tapping causes the screen to zoom out and display controls.
- In the latest beta (right), tapping brings up the controls without altering the video or photo display. This means the menus and controls now appear seamlessly, rather than disrupting the viewing experience by zooming in or out.
For photos, tapping on an image outlines it with all its elements, providing a polished look while keeping the entire screen intact. The Photos app continues to be a controversial update among users, but Apple is making incremental improvements that seem to be paying off.
#### Airdrop and Dark Mode Integration
Another notable change in the beta involves the AirDrop icon when sharing images. If your iPhone has dark mode-themed icons enabled, the AirDrop icon now adapts to match this theme. Similarly, in light mode, it appears as a standard icon. This subtle tweak adds polish and consistency across different modes, which is something users have likely been waiting for.
#### Firmware Updates for AirPods
According to Mac Rumors, Apple has also released new firmware updates for AirPods and AirPods Pro models alongside iOS 18.2 beta 3. While the author hasn’t had a chance to test these updates yet, it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential improvements in sound quality, connectivity, or battery life.
#### Conclusion
So far, the experience with iOS 18.2 beta 3 has been quite polished, building on the advancements seen in betas 2 and earlier. Apple seems to be refining its software meticulously, addressing user feedback and enhancing functionality. If you’ve noticed any additional changes during your time using the beta, feel free to share your thoughts below.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore iOS 18.2 and other Apple ecosystem improvements. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest news and reviews, and we’ll see you in the next video!
Peace out!