Apple released the iOS 18 Beta 5 update today, and this time, the company didn’t just make improvements—they also introduced some notable new features. Along with design updates in the Photos app and a completely new option in Safari, a few smaller changes have been made. Here are all the new features that have arrived:
What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 5?
In response to user feedback, Apple made some design changes in the Photos app with the iOS 18 Beta 5 update. The rotary menu that allowed users to switch between different Collections from the main Photos grid has been completely removed.
Apple added a new “Hide Distracting Elements” feature to Safari. This allows iPhone users to hide distracting elements on a web page, such as login windows, cookie preference pop-ups, GDPR notifications, newsletter sign-up banners, and autoplay videos. While this feature doesn’t hide dynamic elements, it can be used to temporarily hide static page elements.
Apple's map application, Apple Maps, is finally getting the long-awaited feature. The feature, which has been available on Google Maps for years, comes with iOS 18.
When you long-press on the home screen and select “Edit,” there’s now a new “Edit Pages” option. This setting allows you to delete or hide all Home Screen pages from view. This is the same interface accessible by tapping the three dots in Home Screen edit mode but is now more clearly labeled and improved.
Apple also made some changes to Dark Mode options with iOS 18 Beta 5. The icons for Maps and Find My apps have been redesigned. The Maps icon is now black, white, gray, and blue, while the Find My icon has more prominent green rings. Apple has also redesigned the Control Center icons, with many of them featuring larger graphics. Here are the apps with updated icons:
- Voice Memos
- Stopwatch
- Airplane Mode
- Home
- Remote
- Shortcuts App Launch Option
- Calculator
- Code Scanner
- Magnifier
- Wallet
- Tap for Cash
- Screen Orientation Lock, Screen Recording, Screen Mirroring, Cellular Data, and many other accessibility icons have also been redesigned.
What do you think about these updates? Feel free to share your thoughts on the new features in iOS 18 Beta 5 in the comments section below.
