Apple Releases iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 With iPhone Mirroring and More

Apple released the iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 on Monday, hours after Apple announced that not all of its features would be coming to the European Union (EU). The next-generation iPhone operating system was first previewed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10, and has since been rolling out to registered developers via iOS 18 Developer Beta 1. The first beta update brought several new features to the iPhone, such as hiding app, folder and widget names on the home screen and enabling dark mode for first-party app icons. With the latest update, Apple has added even more features to the iPhone.

iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 Features

With iOS 18 Developer Beta 2, Apple brings iPhone Mirroring. First shown off during the WWDC 2024 keynote, the feature allows users to mirror their iPhone to their Mac. They can receive calls and notifications, control apps, and transfer files between the two devices with a simple drag and drop. The feature is activated when iPhone is paired with a Mac running macOS Sequoia beta 2.

iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 Update for iPhone

Additionally, the update also adds a new switch for RCS messages in the iPhone settings. However, the functionality is not yet activated and will only appear for users in the US whose carrier supports RCS Messaging, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

While iOS 18 Developer Beta 1 added Dark Mode to the iPhone’s home screen icons, the latest update adds a new dark-themed icon for the App Store. Users can now also darken their wallpapers with a new option that tints the background. Another notable feature is the added support for compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). It brings support for alternative app stores and allows users to download apps directly from websites.

Other features introduced with iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 include a new connected cards widget in the Wallet app, a + icon in the Passwords app for quickly saving new items and improved feedback for the power button in Control Center.

In addition to iOS 18, Apple has also released beta developer updates for macOS, iPadOS, visionOS, tvOS, and watchOS.