Apple has kicked off its next beta cycle with the release of iOS 18.3 developer beta 1. Less than a week after rolling out the stable iOS 18.2 update, the new beta focuses on under-the-hood improvements while Apple continues working to expand its Apple Intelligence platform. iOS 18.3 is available now to registered developers and can be installed on compatible iPhone models via the Settings app.

iOS 18.3 developer beta details

The first beta of iOS 18.3 carries build number 22D5034e and follows the feature-rich iOS 18.2 update, which brought new Apple Intelligence tools like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Siri’s ChatGPT integration. While Apple has not yet provided specific release notes for iOS 18.3, it is expected to bring enhancements to Apple Intelligence, along with bug fixes and performance improvements.

Key features still expected in upcoming updates include Siri’s personal context awareness, on-screen recognition, and more advanced in-app capabilities. While personal context isn’t confirmed for iOS 18.3, it remains a highly anticipated feature and may appear in the iOS 18.4 beta cycle, expected to begin after iOS 18.3’s public release.

Siri

How to install iOS 18.3 developer beta 1

If you’re a registered developer and want to test iOS 18.3 beta, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Navigate to General > Software Update.
  3. Tap on Beta Updates at the top.
  4. Select iOS 18 Developer Beta.
  5. Go back to the Software Update screen, where iOS 18.3 beta 1 will appear for download.

It’s important to note that once you install the beta, you cannot roll back to a stable version without wiping your device. Beta versions are often buggy and can cause issues like reduced battery life or app instability, so installing it on your primary device is not recommended.

Release timeline

Apple typically releases stable iOS updates approximately six weeks after the first beta. With iOS 18.3 beta 1 launching in mid-December, the final version is expected to arrive in late January. Following that, the iOS 18.4 beta cycle is anticipated to begin, likely bringing even more Apple Intelligence features and additional refinements.

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