Apple has released iOS and iPadOS 18.1 Beta 6, continuing its efforts to enhance the user experience and provide developers with the necessary tools for app development. This latest beta version includes several important fixes and addresses known issues that users and developers should be aware of.
One of the key points to note is that updating from iOS and iPadOS 18 beta 5 to iOS and iPadOS 18.1 beta 1 is currently not supported. Apple has indicated that this capability will be available in a future beta release, as noted by the identifier 133235636.
In the area of App Intents, a significant issue has been resolved. Previously, apps that supported universal links would sometimes redirect users to a web browser instead of opening the app when navigating to a URL via the OpenURLIntent or URLRepresentableIntent APIs. This issue has now been fixed, enhancing the functionality for developers and users alike.
The update also introduces new features related to Apple Intelligence. However, users should be aware that the new Siri UI may not render correctly on larger CarPlay displays, which could affect usability for those utilizing this feature in their vehicles.
There are known issues with Camera Control. If a user installs an app with a Capture Extension while another Camera Control app is already selected, it may lead to a momentary system crash. Developers should keep this in mind while testing their applications.
The Files app has seen improvements as well. A fix has been implemented to address the issue where creating local files in the Files app would fail in the visionOS 2 and iOS 18 simulators if the host was not upgraded to macOS Sequoia Beta. This fix is crucial for developers testing their apps in these environments.
For developers working with HealthKit, a significant fix has been made. With the introduction of Swift 6, some developers faced app crashes when executing various HealthKit API calls. This issue has now been resolved, allowing for smoother integration of health-related functionalities in apps.
The Lock Screen feature has been improved, with the ability to pull down to invoke Spotlight now functioning correctly, resolving a previous issue. However, users should be aware that upgrading from iOS 18.0 beta 5 to iOS 18.1 beta might cause all Mail to redownload, which is a known issue.
In the Messages app, sending attachments via RCS may not work correctly after swapping SIMs, with a workaround being to reboot the device. Additionally, there are resolved issues with Siri, where result snippets might have appeared in the wrong position, now corrected.
The Spotlight feature has been improved, with icons now matching those on the Home Screen, resolving a previous inconsistency. In StoreKit, several issues have been fixed, including problems with transaction updates and offer identifiers in subscription renewals, which are crucial for developers managing in-app purchases.
Developers using Swift Charts should note that there is a known issue where projects utilizing this feature fail to build when targeting iOS, macOS, or visionOS. Meanwhile, WidgetKit has introduced a new feature where a control’s default tint will now align with the app’s accent color unless specified otherwise, enhancing the visual consistency of widgets.
The release of iOS and iPadOS 18.1 Beta 6 is a significant step forward for developers and users alike, offering a mix of new features and important fixes. While there are some known issues to navigate, the improvements made in this beta version are promising for the future of Apple’s mobile operating systems. Developers are encouraged to test their apps thoroughly against these updates to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to refine its software.