5 Exciting New Features in the iOS 18.1 Public Beta: Must Know

The official release of iOS 18.1, which will introduce Apple’s first intelligence features, is still pending and is expected to roll out in the second half of October. However, if you’re eager to test Apple’s new AI features now, you can download the public beta of iOS 18.1 that was recently launched, offering a glimpse of the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence tools.

The second public beta of iOS 18.1 has just been released, bringing even more features to supported iPhones. iOS 18.1 beta 2 introduces updates to Writing Tools, the Control Center, and Camera Controls, along with a handy new feature for iPhone Mirroring. Here are 5 exciting new features in the iOS 18.1 public beta that you won’t want to miss!

5 exciting new features in the iOS 18.1 public beta

1. Drag and drop in iPhone Mirroring —

Transferring files between your Mac and iPhone is now simpler than ever: Drag and Drop in iPhone Mirroring” allows users to seamlessly transfer files, images, or text between their iPhone and mirrored device. With this feature, you can easily drag items from your iPhone’s screen to your computer or another connected display during mirroring sessions, making multitasking and content sharing much smoother and more intuitive. This enhancement boosts productivity by reducing the steps needed to move content between devices.

The iPhone Mirroring feature has already proven to be highly beneficial, enabling users to control their iPhone directly from their Mac desktop without needing to touch the phone. Most functions can be performed through iPhone Mirroring just as you would on the device itself, though some limitations exist. For instance, you can’t open the Control Center or use the iPhone camera from your Mac.

With iOS 18.1 beta 2 and macOS 15.1, iPhone Mirroring has become even more powerful, thanks to a new drag-and-drop feature. You can now easily transfer files by dragging them from your Mac desktop into the virtual iPhone on the screen, instantly moving them to your physical iPhone. Similarly, you can transfer files from your iPhone to your Mac without having to start an AirDrop session. To use this feature, both iOS 18.1 beta 2 and macOS 15.1 beta 2 must be installed on your devices.

2. Writing Tools Integrated into the Notes Toolbar —

Access Writing Tools Faster in Notes: The first iOS 18.1 public beta brought Apple Intelligence features like the new Writing Tools, but using them wasn’t always straightforward. You had to highlight text and select Writing Tools from the context menu.

In iOS 18.1 beta 2, this process is simplified. Writing Tools are now integrated directly into the toolbar of the Notes app. When you select all the text in a note, options like Proofread and Rewrite appear above the keyboard, along with the Apple Intelligence icon, giving you quicker access to additional Writing Tools.

The Apple Intelligence icon is also visible at the bottom of the screen, next to other Notes tools like the Attachment and Drawing tools. However, in my testing so far, tapping this icon doesn’t seem to have any effect. In upcoming updates, it’s hoped that tapping the icon will allow direct access to the Apple Intelligence Writing Tools.

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3. New Controls for Wi-Fi and VPN in the Control Center —

You can finally add a dedicated Wi-Fi control: One of the main complaints about the redesigned Control Center in iOS 18 was the decision to group all connectivity controls into a single folder. This meant tasks like turning off Bluetooth required extra steps: you had to open the Control Center, tap the folder, and then tap the Bluetooth control, adding an extra tap to what used to be a quick action.

Previously, while you could add a dedicated Bluetooth control to the Control Center for one-tap access, this option wasn’t available for Wi-Fi. Fortunately, iOS 18.1 beta 2 now introduces dedicated controls for both Wi-Fi and VPN. This means you can add a button to turn off Wi-Fi or toggle your VPN connection directly from the Control Center, eliminating the need for extra taps and making these functions more convenient.

4. A Control Center action for Shortcuts —

Open or Close Control Center with a Shortcut: iOS 18.1 beta 2 brings another enhancement focused on the Control Center. The Shortcuts app now features a new Show Control Center action, allowing you to launch the Control Center directly from a shortcut. You can customize this action to either hide the Control Center or toggle its current state.

This action has various applications, including the ability to add a shortcut to the Action Button for opening the Control Center. Personally, I’m still getting used to the redesigned Control Center and often swipe down too far, landing on the bottom page instead of the controls I need. Using the Action Button to open the Control Center ensures it opens directly on the first page, where all my frequently used controls are located.

5. A Selfie feature in the Camera Control of the iPhone 16 —

Switch to the Front Camera with Your New Button: The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models already offers a wide range of functions. You can use it to open the Camera app, take photos or videos, adjust exposure and depth of field, change Photographic Styles, zoom in and out, and more.

With the iOS 18.1 beta 2 update, a new feature has been added: you can now switch from the rear-facing camera to the front-facing camera using the Camera Control button. A new Selfie option is available in the Cameras menu, allowing for an easy transition to the front camera for taking self-portraits. To access the Selfie option, simply swipe all the way to the left in the Cameras menu.

While it’s still quicker to access the front camera by long-pressing the Camera app icon and selecting Selfie, this new feature provides added convenience if you’re already using the camera through the Camera Control button.