iOS 18.3 Coming Soon

iOS 18.3 Expected Features

Apple is rolling out iOS 18.3 in beta, and while it’s a minor update, there are still a few features and changes worth noting. iOS 18.3 is currently in beta for developers and public beta testers. So far, the upcoming iPhone software update is very minor in scope. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming iPhone update.

The standout addition in iOS 18.3 is support for robot vacuums in the Home app. While this feature isn’t live yet, Apple is preparing the groundwork. When available, this functionality will allow you to control your robot vacuum through the Home app and Siri voice commands. This is the only potential new feature coming to iPhones with iOS 18.3, but this functionality is not yet live. Apple is laying the groundwork for the feature, according to new lines of code added in the iOS 18.3 beta, but it is unclear if it will be available by time iOS 18.3 is released to the public. Apple has described the feature as enabling users to manage essential functions like power control, cleaning mode (vacuum or mop) and charge status. Robot vacuums will also integrate into automation and scenes, making it possible to include cleaning tasks in your routines. For instance, you can schedule your vacuum to start cleaning automatically or tell Siri to handle spot cleaning in a specific room. When available, this feature will allow you to control key functions of your robot vacuum in the Home app, and with Siri voice commands.

The Home app now supports the core functionality of robot vacuum cleaners, such as power control, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop and charge status. They can also participate in automations and scenes, and respond to Siri requests. So you can add them to your cleaning routines, or tell Siri to do some spot cleaning in the living room. Beyond that, iOS 18.3 only has very minor change so far, such as a slightly tweaked Image Playground icon and bug fixes. 

Apple is reportedly developing a new app called Invites to help users organize meetings and events. While similar features exist in the Calendar app, this standalone solution may offer unique tools, possibly inspired by third-party apps like Fantastical, such as scheduling windows and tracking RSVPs. Apple has a history of adopting ideas from other apps, such as the fitness features introduced in watchOS 11. Early hints of “Invites” appeared in iOS 18.2 beta and resurfaced in 18.3 beta 2.

With iOS 18, the Calculator app underwent significant changes, one of which included the removal of a useful feature, the ability to repeatedly press the equals button to perform on going calculations. However, in iOS 18.3 beta 2, Apple has reinstated this functionality, allowing users to once again perform consecutive operations as they could in previous versions. Beyond robot vacuum support and repeating calculations, iOS 18.3 includes a slightly updated Image Playground icon and general bug fixes to improve performance and stability.

Apple has only seeded two betas of iOS 18.3 so far, so additional new features and changes could be added in later betas. However, it is typical for Apple software updates that are in beta testing during the holiday season to be minor, as Apple's software engineers are off from work for many days and critical issues need to be avoided. So far, Apple has released only two betas of iOS 18.3. Historically, updates released during the holiday season are minimal, but additional features or tweaks could appear in future beta versions. iOS 18.3 will likely be released in late January or early February for it's user's around the world.