The fourth beta version of iOS 18 has been released to users with Apple Developer accounts. And early explorers have already discovered some interesting changes (via 9to5Mac).

One discovery relates to the functionality of the Camera app. Instead of the camera itself, a “Control Menu” toggle in the “Save Settings” section of the main Settings app is now available, and this feature promises to “retain the last used camera tool when expanding the control menu. Right now it is not clear what exactly will be saved in the app, so we will have to wait for users to enable this and understand what difference it will make.

For users trying out iPhone mirroring on the beta version of macOS Sequoia along with iOS 18, they will find that they can now choose between three sizes for the iPhone window on their Mac: “Actual Size”, “Larger Size”, and “More smaller size.”

You will also see a new lock screen icon for iPhone Mirroring while it is active.

Many of the changes found so far are cosmetic, but one that looks particularly dramatic is the flashlight interface, which pops up a Dynamic Island widget that can be toggled on and off and the brightness level adjusted. This was already available on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro models, but now it is also available on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, making this feature available on all current iPhones with Dynamic Island.

Some of the other elements redesigned in the fourth beta are a new look for the hidden apps folder, a new dark “Continue” widget for the book, new stock icons, and fresh bright and dark CarPlay wallpapers.

Also, if you subscribe to iCloud Plus, you will see a new animation for your profile in the iCloud menu of the Settings app (per user aaronp613's X post).

The last practical update is the addition of RCS messaging compatibility for more carriers. This includes Orange U.K. and T-Mobile U.K. and will be welcome news for those using these networks who have been waiting to try this feature.

As of iOS 18 beta 4, there is still no Apple Intelligence feature, which is to be expected since Apple's AI suite is scheduled to be available for the first time on all compatible devices this fall. In a similar vein, sorting of Mail app emails on the device is also not currently in beta, but again Apple warned that this feature would not be coming for a few more months.

It is also worth remembering that this is a developer beta. iOS 18 public beta is available now, but these new features will not be available until at least the next public beta.

If you haven't tried iOS 18 yet and want to know what it's like, read our iOS 18 hands-on.