iOS Decoded: iOS 18.3 RC new hidden options, adjustments and updates [Videos]

In the present day Apple pushed out the discharge candidate for iOS 18.3, this comes on the heels of final Thursday’s launch of iOS 18.3 developer beta 3. In its launch notes, Apple states that the replace brings enhancements to Visible Intelligence, together with the boilerplate “different enhancements, bug fixes, and safety updates.”

However there’s far more than meets the attention in the case of this iOS 18.3 launch candidate. Beneath the floor, there’s new proof of the upcoming iOS 18.4 Siri updates, future adjustments with display screen recording/streaming, and new animations for Shortcuts and Messages. On this hands-on video, we check out what’s new in iOS 18.3 RC. You’ll want to subscribe to us on YouTube for extra iOS Decoded.

What’s new in iOS 18.3 Launch Candidate

iOS 18.3 RC ships with construct quantity 22D60 and was launched to builders and public beta testers on January 21, 2025.

On the surface, iOS 18.3 isn’t as function laden as earlier releases, like iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, however that is traditionally par for the course in the case of x.3 iOS releases. That every one being stated, there are fairly a number of adjustments beneath the hood in iOS 18.3, and a fair proportion of user-facing updates as properly.

Visible Intelligence

A brand new function for iPhone 16 customers allows you to add an occasion to the Calendar from a poster or flyer, and simply determine vegetation and animals. I examined each, they usually each labored as anticipated.

Notification Abstract

Arguably the largest “function” in iOS 18.3 was revealed final week with the up to date Notification Summaries. Apple is now making it super-clear that the function is a beta, and with a view to keep away from points with so-called AI hallucinations, it disabled summaries for the whole Information & Leisure app class. That’s a reasonably drastic step, but it surely’s obligatory given the kind of false headlines that the function was producing for distinguished information companies like BBC Information and the New York Occasions. For extra particulars, make sure to watch our full roundup on iOS 18.3 beta 3:

Calculator repeats the final mathematical operation

This function appeared in earlier iOS 18.3 betas, but it surely’s certain to be successful as soon as iOS 18.3 goes stay to the general public. Like you could possibly with iOS releases previous to iOS 18, now you can repeatedly press the equals signal to repeat mathematic operations.

New zoom transition in Shortcuts additionally being labored on for Messages

iOS 18.3 hints at new transition animations for Shortcuts and the Messages app. Watch the video embedded on the prime of the web page for a hands-on take a look at the brand new Zoom animation in motion. It’s a small, however good change.

Hints at Apple Intelligence in Shortcuts

Up to now Apple Intelligence has not been built-in with Shortcuts, but it surely look as if Apple is engaged on this integration based on new strings present in iOS 18.3 code.

Upcoming display screen recording / streaming options

It’s not but stay in iOS 18.3, however we’ve seen new particulars on upcoming display screen recording and streaming options. In a future replace customers will be capable of do the next:

• Document utilizing stereo microphone audio
• Show a stay digicam overlay utilizing picture-in-picture UI
• Have HDR assist for display screen recording

9to5Mac’s Take

iOS 18.3, whereas not sporting headline options like the 2 earlier huge iOS updates, has fairly a number of vital adjustments. These embrace each user-facing options, and under-the-hood updates that trace at future iOS updates and {hardware}. We’ll be again subsequent week with a full roundup of every part new as soon as iOS 18.3 goes stay to the general public. Within the meantime, share your ideas beneath!