Apple continues to refine iOS 18.1 with the release of its sixth beta version, bringing a series of subtle yet impactful changes to the user experience. As the public release approaches, these updates focus on enhancing existing features and introducing new functionalities to improve convenience and usability.
Control Center Enhancements
The Control Center receives notable updates in this beta, with the addition of separate toggles for Satellite and AirDrop. Previously accessible only through the Connectivity control, these features now have dedicated buttons, providing users with more granular control over their connectivity options. This update brings the total number of individual connectivity toggles in Control Center to nine, including Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, Personal Hotspot, Bluetooth, VPN, and Wi-Fi.
In addition to connectivity controls, Apple has introduced new Measure and Level controls, offering quick access to the corresponding features within the Measure app.
Notification Summary Tweak
Notification Summaries, a feature of Apple Intelligence, also receive a minor visual update. When a notification stack appears on the Lock Screen with a count, the number now dynamically adopts the color of the user’s wallpaper for improved visual integration.
Apple Music Integration with TikTok
Apple Music users can now share songs directly to TikTok from within the app. This new sharing option streamlines the process of creating content on the popular social media platform.
Sleep Apnea Detection Support
For users who have been testing iOS 18.1 beta versions, this update finally adds support for sleep apnea detection and breathing disturbances readings, features introduced with the Apple Watch Series 10. After updating, users can enable sleep apnea alerts in the Health app. It’s important to note that data collection and analysis for these features begin only after the update is installed and the alerts are activated.
Other Notable Changes
This beta also includes minor updates to the Wallet app, Camera Control on iPhone 16 models, and introductory splash screens for Apple Intelligence features in various apps.
Anticipated Release Date
According to reports, Apple is planning to release iOS 18.1 to the public on Monday, October 28th. These final beta updates suggest that the company is in the final stages of preparing the software for its official launch.
