iOS 18.3 is currently in beta for developers and public beta testers. So far, the next iPhone software update is very minor in scope.
Below we describe what’s new in iOS 18.3 so far.
The only potential new feature available so far on iPhones with iOS 18.3 is support for robot vacuums in the Home app, but that feature isn’t available yet. Apple is laying the groundwork for this feature, according to new lines of code added in iOS 18.3 betabut it’s unclear if it will be available by the time iOS 18.3 is released to the public.
When available, this feature will allow you to control key functions of your robot vacuum in the Home app and with Siri voice commands.
Here’s how Apple describes this feature:
The Home app now supports basic robot vacuum features, such as power control, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop, and charging status. They can also participate in automations and scenes, and respond to Siri requests. So you can add them to your cleaning routines or ask Siri to do spot cleaning in the living room.
Beyond that, iOS 18.3 has only very minor changes so far, like a slightly changed Image Playground icon and bug fixes.
Apple has only released two beta versions of iOS 18.3 so far, so additional new features and changes could be added in subsequent beta versions. However, it is common for Apple software updates undergoing beta testing during the holiday season to be minor, as Apple’s software engineers are away from work for several days and critical issues must be avoided.
iOS 18.3 will likely be released in late January or early February.
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