What to know

  • Apple has released the iOS 18 Developer Beta 2, introducing iPhone Mirroring and enhanced SharePlay screen sharing.
  • The update aims to fix bugs from the initial beta and refine existing features.
  • Apple Intelligence features are delayed in the EU due to regulatory issues and will be available later this year.

Apple has just rolled out the iOS 18 Developer Beta 2, bringing two exciting new features to the table: iPhone Mirroring and enhanced SharePlay screen sharing. This update, which comes two weeks after the initial iOS 18 announcement at WWDC 2024, is designed to improve user experience by allowing seamless interaction between iPhones and Macs, as well as offering more interactive video call capabilities.

With iPhone Mirroring, users can now display their iPhone screen on their Mac, making it easier to receive notifications, move files, and even drag and drop between devices without unlocking the iPhone. This feature is expected to be a game-changer for those who frequently switch between their iPhone and Mac for work or personal use.

The enhanced SharePlay screen sharing feature allows users to draw on someone else’s screen during a video call, providing a more interactive way to assist or collaborate with others. This feature also enables users to control the other person’s screen, making it easier to guide them through tasks or troubleshoot issues remotely.

In addition to these new features, the iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 aims to fix various bugs found in the initial beta release and refine other features. However, it’s important to note that the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features, which include AI-powered functionalities, will not be available in this beta version. These features are expected to be added later this summer.

Due to regulatory issues, certain iOS 18 features, including Apple Intelligence, will not be available in the European Union this year. Apple has cited the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as a reason for this delay, expressing concerns about compromising user privacy and data security.

For developers eager to try out the new beta, the installation process is straightforward. Simply go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone, and you should see the option to install the iOS 18 Developer Beta 2. It’s recommended to back up your data before proceeding, as beta software can sometimes be unstable.

Alongside iOS 18, Apple is also expected to release new beta versions of iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and watchOS 11. The public beta of iOS 18 will be available in July, with the final version launching for all users in September.

Overall, the iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 brings significant improvements and new features that are sure to enhance the user experience, despite some delays in the rollout of AI-powered functionalities in certain regions.

List of new features in iOS 18 (beta 2):

  1. iPhone Mirroring: Users can now mirror their iPhone screen onto a Mac running macOS Sequoia beta 2, allowing them to control their iPhone, receive calls and notifications, and transfer files between devices.
  2. SharePlay enhancements: Users can now take over and draw and control another person’s screen during SharePlay sessions.
  3. RCS (finally!): A new toggle for RCS messaging has been added in iPhone settings, though functionality is not yet activated. This feature is currently limited to US users with carriers supporting RCS. (How to turn it off.)
  4. Control Center changes: The power button in Control Center now requires a press-and-hold action to prevent accidental taps.
  5. New Wallet widget: A new widget for Connected Cards has been added to the Wallet app.
  6. Passwords app update: A new + icon has been added in the Passwords app for quickly saving new entries.
  7. Dark Mode improvements: The App Store icon now has a dark-themed version, and users can tint their wallpapers darker.

These updates come alongside general performance improvements and bug fixes typical of beta releases.

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