Exploring the New Features and Changes in iOS 18.2 Beta 3 [Video]

The third beta of iOS 18.2 doesn’t bring a plethora of changes like its predecessors, but it does feature some notable updates. This version introduces a new Camera Control setting for iPhone 16 users, a customizable tab bar for the TV app on iPad, and an essential enhancement to the video playback interface in the Photos app. Check out our detailed video walkthrough for more insights.

What’s new in iOS 18.2 beta 3?

Camera Control – Require Screen On

As detailed by DMN editor-in-chief Chance Miller, the iOS 18.2 beta 3 includes a fresh setting specific to iPhone 16 for Camera Control. Previously, launching the designated camera app using the Camera Control button required two taps when the screen was off—one to wake the device and another to open the Camera app. In this latest beta, users can modify this setting for more convenient usage.

To enable this, go to Settings → Display & Brightness, where you’ll see a new Require Screen On toggle at the bottom. This feature is enabled by default but can be turned off, allowing you to launch the camera app with a single tap of the Camera Control button even when the screen is off.

Video: iOS 18.2 beta 3 changes/features

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Photos app video playback UI update

One of the most significant changes in iOS 18.2 beta 3 is the enhancement of the video playback interface in the Photos app. The initial launch of iOS 18 introduced a UI that obscured the thumbnail previews of other photos when viewing a video in full-screen mode. iOS 18.2 addresses this by overlaying thumbnails on the video, making it easier for users to navigate through other content while enjoying their videos.

Update to Writing Tools Copy and Paste Menu

When accessing the copy and paste menu by highlighting text, the Writing Tools option now appears at the top of the menu. Previously, users had to scroll to locate Writing Tools in earlier iOS versions.

Find My – New ‘Share Item Location’ Details

Apple has revealed additional information regarding the Share Item Location feature that debuted in the second developer beta of iOS 18.2. The updated details include information about participating airlines, functionality, and device compatibility, shared through a press release. It is largely anticipated that this feature, alongside other key iOS 18.2 enhancements like ChatGPT integration, will roll out next month, potentially starting the week of December 2nd.

iPadOS 18.2 beta 3: Customizable Tab Bar for TV App

Lastly, iPadOS 18.2 beta 3 introduces a customizable tab bar for the TV app. While other applications like Music have had this feature since the launch of iOS 18, the TV app has only just received it. Users can now personalize tabs using elements from the traditional sidebar that appears on the left side of the display.

The addition of a customizable tab bar in the TV app is especially valuable, given the large selection of channel integrations and filters available for TV and movie collections.

DMN’s Thoughts

As we noted in our overviews of iOS 18.2 beta 1 and beta 2, the ChatGPT integration undoubtedly stands out as the highlight, representing a significant aspect of Apple’s phased rollout of Apple Intelligence. However, the other enhancements, particularly the Photos app fix, are valuable updates that will enhance the overall iOS experience. What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below.