Apple’s next generation software now available to test in Public Beta

Just over a month since Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference at Apple HQ in Cupertino, California, the next versions of software for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV are now available for anyone to test in Public Beta.

A “Beta” is a trial version of software, and it may have bugs or issues. Developers have been using a Beta version of these operating systems since the announcement in June, but they’ve been refined and made ready for a broader wave of testers.

Be mindful, you’re testing. And there may be issues, or bugs – you’re actually encouraged to report those bugs within the software – not whinge about them on social media – that won’t help anyone.

iPadOS 18, iOS18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11 and TVOS 18 are now there for you to grab.

You can sign up to be a Public Beta tester online, with instructions there to actually get started on the download.

I’ve been using the developer version of iOS 18 for some weeks, as well as macOS Sequoia. Let me tell you iPhone mirroring is fantastic, and worth checking out if you use a mac and iPhone.

For iPhone users there’s new ways to customise your home screen by placing apps anywhere, use darker icons and such.

You can lock apps entirely with your FaceID, you can hide apps too.

Control centre looks remarkably different and might take some getting used to so be warned with that one.

Photos app is very different and also takes some getting used to so have a play with that.

Send those messages at a later time with “Send Later”, but I have to say if you’re expecting Apple Intelligence in this release, hold off. There’s no sign of that yet.

All these features will roll out to everyone later in the year, but for now, get ahead of the curve and check them out!