Apple has released iOS 18 Beta 5 for developers today, featuring a new Safari feature and updates to the Photos app that are grabbing attention. Below are some additional minor changes detailed in the update.
iOS 18 Beta 5 is currently available to developer beta testers and is expected to become available for public beta users sometime next week. Early beta versions can be unpredictable, meaning that features working in iOS 18 Beta 5 might not function in iOS 18 Beta 3. As always, proceed with caution.
iOS 18 beta 5 Features and Changes
* iOS 18 Beta 5 introduces a new distraction control feature in Safari, allowing users to selectively block certain elements on web pages, such as sign-in popups and other content overlays.
* New dark mode icons have been introduced for Find My and Maps.
* Several Control Center icons, including those for screen mirroring and cellular data, have been redesigned.
* In the Settings app, security for stolen devices can now be managed through the Privacy & Security menu. This option remains accessible through the Face ID and Passcode screen as well.
* When you long press on your iPhone’s home screen and tap “Edit,” a new “Edit Pages” button appears. This takes you directly to a multi-page view where you can select and hide specific home screen pages.
Apple says that iOS 18 Beta 5 has updated the “All Photos” view to display more photo grids without needing to swipe down. The new “Recent Days” feature now also includes “Recently Saved” content, which previously existed as separate sections.
Additionally, Apple states that iOS 18 Beta 5 adjusts album locations for those with multiple albums. The Photos app remains fully customizable, allowing users to rearrange sections and categories as they like.
In previous iOS 18 betas, Apple also made changes to the Photos app, making it easier to select photos and undo pinch-to-zoom gestures.
As we spend more time with the update, we’ll learn more about what’s new in the Photos app in iOS 18 Beta 5. iOS 18 Beta 5 is being released today for registered developer beta testers, with a public beta likely later this month and a general release next month.
As you can see, changes outside of the Photos app and Safari in iOS 18 Beta 5 are relatively minor. Have you noticed any other changes? Let us know via email. Stay tuned here at SurningBurn and for our complete hands-on coverage with new releases throughout the week.
