The latest iOS 18 beta is remarkably stable – Why wait?

You’ve been eager to try iOS 18 since Apple showcased it in June, but you hesitated due to concerns about major bugs. However, the current iOS 18 beta is nearly the final version and is quite stable. Now is a great time to install it on your iPhone and get a head start over your friends and colleagues by about a month.

Exciting New Features

iOS 18 introduces several great new features, including a fully customizable Home Screen, an improved Control Center, a new Passwords app, and more. While it was wise to avoid early betas, the current beta is much more reliable.

The Beta Testing Process

Apple first revealed iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, and beta testing began right away. The early versions were riddled with bugs, making them unsuitable for daily use. However, that was months ago, and we are now nearing the end of the development process. This isn’t just speculation—each iOS 18 beta has a build number, and the letters in these build numbers indicate how close the version is to the final release. The latest iOS 18 Beta 5, which was released this week, ends in “a,” meaning we’re only a few steps away from the release candidates and the final launch of iOS 18.

Waiting for the Final Version

You could wait for the final version, but it likely won’t be released for about a month. Based on Apple’s previous patterns and recent rumors, the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 in the second week of September, with iOS 18 being released at least a week after that. If you’re eager to try out the new features, there’s little reason to wait—you can start using iOS 18 today.

Stability of the Latest iOS 18 Beta

The latest iOS 18 beta, released on Tuesday, isn’t completely bug-free, but it is quite stable. I tested it on my iPhone 15 Plus over several days and didn’t encounter any issues with the Mail app, Messages app, or Safari browser. I also used other Apple apps like Podcasts and Apple TV+ without any problems.

My testing extended to non-Apple apps, as beta versions of iOS often cause issues with third-party software. I played games and watched videos on Disney+ without encountering any difficulties. While I’m sure there are bugs in this nearly final beta, I haven’t encountered any so far.

Important Considerations

I used an iPhone 15 for my tests, and it’s important to note that operating system upgrades generally perform better on newer devices. Your experience might be different if you’re using an older iPhone, like an iPhone 11. Additionally, it’s never a good idea to install beta software on a device used in critical situations where reliability is paramount. While this prerelease version is stable, it isn’t perfect. If receiving a text or using the upgraded Apple Maps app is crucial, it’s best to stick with iOS 17.

Notable Features in iOS 18

One of the most significant changes in iOS 18 is the redesigned Control Center. Although it’s not the headline-grabbing AI feature that was showcased at WWDC24 in June, it’s a highly practical improvement. The ability to remove unused buttons and rearrange the ones you use most is a welcome change, and there’s much more space for customization.

Running the iOS 18 beta allows you to experience many of the useful new features coming to the iPhone. I particularly like the ability to place any button on the Lock screen and the new “Hide Distracting Items” feature in Safari, which I’ve used frequently. The new Apple Passwords app is also a nice addition, making features that were previously buried in Settings much more accessible.

A Feature Requiring macOS Sequoia

One of the better iOS 18 features, which I haven’t tested, requires macOS Sequoia. This feature allows you to mirror your iPhone on your Mac, so you can control your device without taking it out of your pocket.

Conclusion

Some people may boast about using iOS 18 since June, but it’s not too late to become an early adopter. Apple isn’t expected to release the final version for at least another three weeks, so there’s still time to jump in and experience the new features before everyone else.