Hi everyone, Aaron here for Zolot, and this past week has been exceptionally busy with the release of iOS 18 beta 3 and iOS 17.6 beta 3. There's so much to discuss, especially with the new features and the overall experience of iOS 18 beta 3. We'll also dive into your comments about these updates and touch on a very serious issue affecting some iOS users that we'll get into a little later. But first, let's explore some exciting Apple news.
Delta Game Emulator News
The Delta game emulator, which was released some time ago for the iPhone, has now been made available on the iPad as of July 11th. However, it's currently only accessible through the alternate App Store. We're still waiting for official approval in the United States for the Delta game emulator to be iPad native, supporting full-screen iPad apps, multiple windows via Stage Manager, and handoff between iPhone and iPad. Hopefully, this version will be available soon outside third-party app stores, but if you're in the know, you can use it right away.
Google Photos Transition
If you've been using Google Photos and are considering switching to Apple Photos, Amazon Photos, or another service, Google has made it easier to download all your photos and videos. On their website, you can now copy your photos and videos to an external service. After signing in, you can download all your
computer data and save it wherever you like. This is particularly useful if you want to back up your media elsewhere or save it locally on your device.
Apple Vision Pro Expansion
Apple Vision Pro is now launching outside the United States. It's currently available in Canada and other countries around the world. In an interview with The Sun, Tim Cook mentioned that he uses Vision Pro daily, praising its ability to transform any environment into a personal theater with a 100-foot screen. While it offers an incredible entertainment experience, it also has its downsides, such as difficulty in sharing the experience with family. Nevertheless, it's a groundbreaking product for media consumption.
Apple Watch for Kids
Apple is actively promoting the Apple Watch on a new website, highlighting its benefits for kids. It's an excellent tool for calling kids, tracking their location, and managing their activities from an iPhone. The new site showcases features like School Time, which disables certain functions during school hours, and Find My, which helps parents locate their children. There are also various customization options for themes, wallpapers, and bands, making it appealing for kids. Rumors suggest that Apple might be working on a plastic version of the Apple Watch, potentially releasing updates in September.
Google Maps Update
This week, Google Maps received a notable update, adding a live speedometer. This feature is now available not only on the iPhone but also in CarPlay. It's a handy addition for users who rely on Maps for directions and want to monitor their speed in real-time.
Vision Pro and Vision OS 2.0
Apple's Vision Pro currently has a few betas available, but Vision OS 2.0 will only be accessible to developers. It won't be released as a public beta, which is disappointing for many users. Despite the high price tag of $3,500 or more, most Vision Pro owners will likely sign up for the developer beta to try out the latest features. Vision OS 2.0 is significantly better than previous versions, with improved latency and overall performance, particularly when used with a Mac.
iOS 18 Beta 3 New Features
In a recent video, I covered 20+ new features in iOS 18 beta 3, but there's one more thing worth mentioning. According to AaronP613 on Twitter (or X), beta 3 introduces permissions for MDM (Mobile Device Management) to limit access to AI features and iPhone mirroring. This will be beneficial for those managing multiple devices.
Apple Intelligence and Siri 2.0
We're eagerly awaiting Apple Intelligence, which is expected to debut with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. It promises a range of helpful features. Although it's already present in the emulator, it hasn't been enabled yet. Siri 2.0 is another anticipated update, but it seems it might be delayed until 2025. Additionally, we're looking forward to the phone call recording feature, which has been a long-requested addition despite the legal complexities surrounding it globally.
Urgent Security Alert: Mercenary Spyware Attack
Now, addressing the urgent issue mentioned in the video title, Apple has issued a critical warning to a large number of iPhone users in 98 different countries. They have been targeted by a mercenary spyware attack, which could potentially expose almost all personal data on their iPhones. TechCrunch reported that Apple has notified affected users, explaining that their iPhones have been targeted due to their identity or activities. Although it's difficult to achieve absolute certainty in detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning.
If you receive this notification, Apple recommends enabling Lockdown Mode in your security settings. This mode offers extreme protection for those who believe they are targeted by cyber-attacks. While it may reduce the convenience of using your phone, it significantly enhances security. Apple has also released a new document this week on recognizing and avoiding social engineering schemes, including phishing messages, fraudulent support calls, and other scams. I'll link this document in the description for more details.
Upcoming iOS Releases
We might see the release of iOS 17.5.2 soon, even though iOS 17.6 isn't far off. This update could address security issues related to the mercenary spyware attack. iOS 18 public beta 1 is expected around July 15th, followed by the re-release of iOS 18 beta 3 to unify build numbers before moving on to beta 4.
iOS 17.6 Beta 3 and iOS 18 Beta 3 Stability
iOS 17.6 beta 3 has been stable for most users, though some find it less stable than beta 2. On the other hand, iOS 18 beta 3, while introducing more features, has mixed stability. There are reports of RCS messaging issues, customization glitches, and control center bugs. Some users have also experienced problems with alarm functionality, Spotlight search, and screen time.
Bug Fixes and
computer repair sacramento ca Performance Improvements
Apple has addressed numerous bugs in iOS 18 beta 3, including issues with app icons disappearing and storage bugs. However, some issues persist, like camera activation problems and customization glitches. The release notes in the Feedback app list many
resolved issues, particularly with Bluetooth headphones, the calculator app, and the camera.
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life in iOS 18 beta 3 has been challenging due to background updates. Apple now provides transparency by indicating how much battery is used by background processes. While it manages to get through a day, it often requires charging by night. In terms of performance, iOS 18 beta 3 shows decent benchmark results, but there are occasional heating issues during random tasks and charging.
User Comments and Feedback
Ryan mentioned that voiceover reports have improved, though some issues remain with control center customization. Raymond reported bugs with music playback and screenshots not appearing in photos. Oliver encountered app customization issues on iPadOS 18. Proper FPV experienced alarm issues similar to mine. Stacy found iOS 18 beta 3 stable on her iPhone 14 Pro, while Mario had connectivity issues with AirPods Pro during gaming.
Conclusion
That's everything for iOS 18 beta 3 and iOS 17.6 beta 3. We're looking forward to more updates and refinements,
miami computer repair especially Apple Intelligence.
