Apple’s iOS 18.3 beta 2 has arrived, but unlike previous major updates, this release seems to be less eventful for users.
While it doesn’t introduce many new features, there are still several noteworthy changes and updates under the hood, particularly with accessibility, security, and hardware references. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates in iOS 18.3 beta 2.
Key Changes in iOS 18.3 Beta 2
Bug and Security Fixes
As expected, iOS 18.3 beta 2 includes numerous bug and security fixes. However, Apple won’t disclose the specific details of these fixes until the official release of iOS 18.3. Users can expect more information on the security contents once the update reaches the public.
Camera Control Settings Icon Dark Mode Support
A small but important update is the addition of dark mode support for the Camera Control icon in settings. This brings more consistency to the iOS interface, especially for those who use dark mode regularly.
Calculator App – Repeat Calculations
For users of the stock Calculator app, iOS 18.3 beta 2 restores the ability to repeat calculations by pressing the “=” sign repeatedly. This feature was removed in iOS 18 but has now been reinstated, making the app more functional for everyday use.
Sleep Apnea Notifications in Brazil
Brazilian users will now receive sleep apnea notifications as part of iOS 18.3. This feature aims to improve health monitoring for users in Brazil, adding to the growing list of health-related features on iOS.
New Intelligence Sounds in the ScreenReader Framework
The ScreenReader framework for accessibility gains new “Intelligence Sounds.” While these sounds are not yet user-facing, they suggest future improvements to accessibility features.
Removal of Tamale Widget References
The Tamale widget, which was tested internally to invoke Visual Intelligence via a widget, has been removed in iOS 18.3 beta 2. This could hint at alternative ways for users on older devices to access Visual Intelligence.
Multiple Next-Gen CarPlay References
iOS 18.3 beta 2 contains several references to next-generation CarPlay, also known as CarPlay 2. These updates suggest that Apple is continuing to work on CarPlay features, even though no supported cars have been released yet. It remains to be seen when the next-gen CarPlay will actually ship.
Fixed Apple Logo Bug on iPhone 16 Pro Max
A small bug that caused a tiny Apple logo to appear during updates on the iPhone 16 Pro Max has been fixed in this beta release.
New ISPExclaveKitServices Framework
The new ISPExclaveKitServices framework is designed to improve security by handling privacy indicators through hardware rather than software. This is part of the Secure Exclave subsystem introduced with the iPhone 16, enhancing privacy features such as the camera and microphone indicators.
Unreleased Apple Invites App
A reference to an unreleased “Invites” app has returned in iOS 18.3 beta 2. This app is expected to allow users to create and manage events, integrating with iCloud and offering a web version. It will also work with a new iOS 18 daemon called GroupKit, which manages groups of people.
