In the latest iOS 18 beta, personalizing your Home Screen becomes effortless.
With iOS 18 officially on the horizon, you don't have to wait months for the official release to get a taste of the latest updates. Apple recently launched its public beta, and here's what's new:
Customization Galore
The Home Screen in iOS 18 is ripe with customization options, even for a platform like iOS that's typically limited in flexibility. While these new features share some similarities with Android, they remain somewhat restricted. Apple is likely to keep things polished, and it shows in the new Home Screen customization options. Though you can place icons wherever you like, they still stay within a particular rail.
To tap into the new customization mode, simply tap and hold the Home Screen, then tap "Edit" in the top left-hand corner. From there, you can choose a theme for your icons, whether light or dark, or match them to your wallpaper. Pan around the pages with your finger to move icons where you want and add widgets as you see fit. You'll still have to drag icons between pages, but that's a small price to pay for the personalization power.
Minimalists will love the ability to set up a nearly empty Home Screen. Add a World Clock widget to the top if it's too sparse, but be aware that with iOS's minimalist air, any widget appears lopsided without other icons.
Less is More in Control Center
The Control Center in iOS 18 is now customizable as well. Tap and hold the panel you've dragged down to see slots open up for additional controls. You can even enlarge existing controls like the flashlight for easier access. Apple split the Control Center into three screens - Home controls, music playback, and connectivity - which can feel a little like Android's Quick Settings in the notification shade, but with a cleaner, more streamlined look.
How to Run the iOS 18 Public Beta
Interested in trying out the iOS 18 public beta? It's easy - simply enroll your iPhone in Apple's Beta Software Program. Just remember that while it carries less risk than Android's early betas, it still comes with its own set of potential issues.
Other Highlights of iOS 18
iPhone Mirroring
iPhone mirroring is one of the other new features you can test out in the public beta. It allows you to remotely control and display your iPhone on another device.
Passwords App
The Passwords app is another fascinating feature. Users can set up the app before it's fully adopted, allowing them to peruse their passwords, passkeys, and login information. It's a great opportunity to audit your accounts and remove any that have changed or been deactivated.
Apple Photos App
The improved Apple Photos app in iOS 18 features a cleaner interface and better album curation. The revamped app fits nicely with iOS 18's minimalist ethos and gives iPhone users a reason to stop using Google Photos for similar features.
RCS Support
RCS support is another aspect of iOS 18 worth exploring. Some public beta users are reporting success with RCS messaging, but others have yet to see it work between their devices.
Enrichment Data:
iOS 18's Home Screen Customization:
iOS 18 brings advanced customization options to the Home Screen, including widgets and layout flexibility, a reorganized App Library, dark mode icons, color tinting, and larger icons. However, Apple maintains strict guidelines and restrictions on modifying the Home Screen, limiting the ability to customize extensively using third-party launchers or other methods.
Control Center Customization:
The Control Center in iOS 18 allows users to drag and drop between screens, enlarge existing controls, and customize the panel to their liking. Apple split the Control Center into three screens for Home controls, music playback, and connectivity to maintain a streamlined interface and prevent it from becoming overwhelming with information.
RCS Support:
Some public beta users have reported success with RCS messaging in the iOS 18 beta, but others have yet to see it work between their devices. The extent of RCS support in the final release remains to be seen.
- The tech enthusiasts eagerly decided to participate in Apple's Beta Software Program to experience the iOS 18 public beta, which offers a sneak peek into the future of iOS technology.
- The iOS 18's customization features, such as the customizable Home Screen and Control Center, offer a glimpse of the minimalist tech trend that is decidedly popular in the tech world.
- Users can now offer more personalized experiences on their iOS devices with the introduction of iOS 18's customization options, which include the ability to customize Control Center panels.
- In line with the minimalist trend, iOS 18's Home Screen customization offers users the flexibility to create a nearly empty Home Screen, allowing for a clean, neat, and technology-focused interface.
