Apple has commenced beta testing for iOS 18.3, which introduces some minor updates for iPhone users. Here’s what you need to know.
Release Date of iOS 18.3
On December 16, Apple launched the first developer beta of iOS 18.3. Historically, the public release of iOS 18.3 can be expected around late January.
- iOS 17.3 – January 22, 2023
- iOS 16.3 – January 23, 2023
- iOS 15.3 – January 26, 2022
New Features in iOS 18.3
Unlike the substantial updates seen in iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, which introduced numerous Apple Intelligence features, iOS 18.3 is anticipated to be a more modest update.
Support for Robot Vacuums
iOS 18.3 introduces support for robot vacuums within the Home app based on recent code alterations. Users will be able to integrate their smart vacuums into HomeKit, allowing control via Siri, automation, and more.
Apple describes the functionality for robot vacuums in the Home app as follows:
The Home app now accommodates the essential functionalities of robot vacuum cleaners such as power control, cleaning mode, vacuuming, mopping, and charge status. They can also be included in automations and scenes and respond to Siri commands. This means you can incorporate them into your cleaning schedules or command Siri for spot cleaning in the living room.
Details from robot vacuum manufacturers regarding their HomeKit integration plans are still awaited, but it appears that iOS 18.3 will provide the foundational support for future compatibility.
Bug Fixes
Per Apple’s release notes, iOS 18.3 resolves two bugs related to Apple Intelligence:
- Resolved: A personalized Genmoji may not generate unless a different person is selected first.
- Resolved: For third-party applications utilizing the Writing Tools API on iOS, if the initial responder is not a UIView, it won’t be able to utilize the complete inline experience.
Minor Modifications
- There’s a slight update to the icon for the Image Playground app, as pointed out by Aaron Perris on X.
- You can now use Face ID or Touch ID to log into the Feedback app instead of entering your password each time.
- The icon for the Camera Control menu under Accessibility settings now supports dark mode.
Conclusion on iOS 18.3
It’s possible that Apple will introduce additional features in iOS 18.3 during the ongoing beta testing. As of now, it seems likely that the next major updates related to Apple Intelligence features will appear in iOS 18.4.
Have you discovered any new features in iOS 18.3? Share your insights in the comments below. We’ll keep you updated on the developments regarding this update as more betas are rolled out over the next six months.
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