Hold onto your hats, fellow iSheep — the beta version of Apple’s iOS18 is out. While the most anticipated AI feature — aka Apple Intelligence — is not available yet, there are plenty of updates that are worth the test run.

Here is a sneak peek into some of its new features:

#1- You can now send texts via satellite, meaning that there’s no need to hold your phone to the sky to get reception in case of an emergency. This is a game-changer for those who tend to travel off the grid — but it only works if the person you’re trying to reach has also updated their phone.

#2- No more green bubbles: iOS 18 also introduces support for RCS messages, enhancing texting experience with phones running on Android. It comes fully equipped with typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media sharing.

#3- Privacy also gets a boost. You now have the option to lock individual apps, with access needing additional information, whether Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Locked apps won’t display data across other places in the system, minimizing the accidental peek here or there. You can also hide specific apps within a locked folder.

#4- For those who travel poorly, we have great news. Delete those motion sickness glasses from your cart. Apple’s new Visual Motion Cues feature helps you minimize the discomfort by placing animated dots along the edges of your screen, mimicking the motion of the vehicle.

#5- Customize your screen: Say goodbye to fiddling with app placement and trying to get your widgets to fit without having to redesign your whole display. The new update allows flexible app placement — something Android users take for granted — and personalized icon styles and colors. You will also have more freedom to customize your Lock Screen controls and the Control Center, with some brand-new widgets from your favorite apps.

#6- Ditch the notes, automatic transcription is taking over. Both the Phone and Voice Memo apps will have built-in transcription tech. Live phone calls can be transcribed on the fly, perfect for quick business calls. The voice memo app will automatically convert the audio file to text after you finish recording.

How do you download it? The process may be a little arduous for those who aren’t superfans. But if you can’t wait for the full version of iOS 18 to drop later this year, sign up for the software through Apple’s Beta Software Program. Then, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the iOS 18 public beta from the dropdown menu. But first, make sure your iPhone is compatible with the new software, and updated to the latest public version of iOS.

REMEMBER- This is still a beta version — the software has some instabilities and is still under construction, according to Apple. Remember to back up your phone beforehand to avoid any loss of data if you come across a bug.

NATO x social media influencers. The security alliance has invited (some) social media influencers to attend this year’s NATO summit, which took place 9-11 July in Washington DC. This initiative was taken up to appeal to the younger generations who appear to be relying on social media for information and knowledge. This year, the content creators selected were from member nations that include the US, UK, and Belgium, reports The Washington Post.

This isn’t the first time. Bringing on influencers has been happening since 2022 and is part of their Protect the Future initiative. This scheme aims to raise awareness of NATO’s role in protecting the future of younger generations and to let them share the alliance’s story. The social media influencers were granted access to the press briefing room for the Pentagon with the likes of heavy hitters such as Fox News and the Associated Press. They were even present for the ‘Family photo,’ where the NATO member nations’ Heads of State took their annual photograph.

Raise rapport with Gen Z + Alpha. “NATO is one of the greatest success stories that the world has ever known, and we want to make sure that we’re reaching new and different audiences to tell that story,” said Jennifer Min, director of digital media for the Defense Department. NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Philippe Lavigne even posed for selfies with the influencers. “Their fresh perspectives & innovative storytelling, their commitment to promoting reliable info empowers young people to make informed decisions about their future security,” he said on X.

Why does this matter? Well, one invitee is Antony John Polcari, aka Tony P, who admitted to thinking that the gig was related to Sharknado (a movie about sharks being swept into a hurricane that hits LA) at first, interpreting his manager saying NATO as an abbreviation to ‘nado. This highlights the disconnect between younger generations and big players in world politics despite their engagement with political activism.

What content are they sharing exactly? Tony P took to Instagram to talk about the birth ofNATO, while V Spehar, the host of Under the Desk News on TikTok, was able to stop Blinken in the State Department hallway and ask him about the importance of NATO and its impact historically. Other content creators were not given prompts or content briefs, as they were not paid their normally charged fees.

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