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

As we speak 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 rather 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 modifications with display 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. Make sure you 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 skin, iOS 18.3 isn’t as characteristic 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 each one being mentioned, there are fairly a couple of modifications beneath the hood in iOS 18.3, and a justifiable share of user-facing updates as nicely.

Visible Intelligence

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

Notification Abstract

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

Calculator repeats the final mathematical operation

This characteristic appeared in earlier iOS 18.3 betas, but it surely’s positive to be a success as soon as iOS 18.3 goes dwell to the general public. Like you might 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 have 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 in keeping with new strings present in iOS 18.3 code.

Upcoming display recording / streaming options

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

• Document utilizing stereo microphone audio
• Show a dwell digital camera overlay utilizing picture-in-picture UI
• Have HDR help for display recording

9to5Mac’s Take

iOS 18.3, whereas not sporting headline options like the 2 earlier massive iOS updates, has fairly a couple of important modifications. 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 all the things new as soon as iOS 18.3 goes dwell to the general public. Within the meantime, share your ideas under!