In-Depth Look: New Changes and Features in iOS 18.2 Beta 3 [Video]

The third beta of iOS 18.2 may not bring as many visible changes as its predecessors, but it does include some noteworthy updates. Users of the iPhone 16 can now access a new Camera Control option, along with a redesigned customizable tab bar for the TV app on iPad and an essential enhancement to the video playback interface in the Photos app. Don’t forget to check out our detailed video walkthrough for more insights.

What’s new in iOS 18.2 beta 3?

Camera Control – Require Screen On

As noted by DMN editor-in-chief Chance Miller, a new configuration for Camera Control has been introduced for iPhone 16 users. Previously, launching the designated camera app using the Camera Control button required two presses when the screen was off—one to wake the device and another to open the Camera app. The new iOS 18.2 beta 3 update simplifies this process.

To access this new option, go to Settings → Display & Brightness, where you’ll find a Require Screen On toggle at the bottom of the screen. This feature is enabled by default but can be turned off to launch the camera app with just a single press of the Camera Control button, even with the screen off.

Video: iOS 18.2 beta 3 changes/features

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Photos app video playback UI update

Arguably the most significant change in iOS 18.2 developer beta 3 is the refresh to the video playback UI in the Photos app. The previous iOS 18 version obscured thumbnail previews of other photos while a video was playing in full screen. Now, iOS 18.2 improves this by overlaying thumbnails on the video, allowing for easier navigation between your content while watching videos.

Writing tools copy and paste menu update

The copy and paste menu now prominently features the Writing Tools option at the top when text is highlighted, eliminating the need to scroll through the menu to locate it, as was necessary in earlier iterations of iOS.

Find My – ‘Share Item Location’ details

Apple has shared further information regarding the Share Item Location feature first introduced in the second developer beta of iOS 18.2. Recent updates include details on which airlines participate, its functionality, and device compatibility, as highlighted in a press release. Many expect these and other significant features of iOS 18.2, such as ChatGPT integration, to debut next month, potentially as soon as the week of December 2nd.

iPadOS 18.2 beta 3 Customizable Tab Bar for TV app

Finally, iPadOS 18.2 beta 3 introduces a customizable tab bar within the TV app. While customizable bars are not new, as seen in apps like Music since the launch of iOS 18, the TV app previously lacked this feature. Users can now personalize their tab bars using elements from the traditional sidebar found on the left side of the display.

The addition of a customizable tab bar in the TV app is especially beneficial given the wide range of channel integrations and filter options available for TV shows and movies.

DMN’s Take

As we’ve highlighted in our overviews of iOS 18.2 beta 1 and beta 2, the ChatGPT integration remains the most prominent feature, marking a significant aspect of Apple’s phase two rollout of artificial intelligence. However, these additional updates, particularly the fix for the Photos app, bring meaningful improvements to iOS. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!