5 most useful features of iOS 18 public beta — and how to use them

The iOS 18 public beta is finally here, giving beta testers a chance to try out new iPhone features poised to officially release later this year. The new tweaks that Apple added to the next big update appear to be countless — but we've condensed the list to the top five most useful features.

From Tap to Cash to RCS messaging, allow us to walk you through how to use the best features of the latest iOS 18 public beta. But first, you'll need to install it. (We have a guide on how to install the iOS 18 public beta here.) Keep in mind that the iOS 18 public beta is still quite unpolished and raw, so make sure you have an iPhone backup handy before installing it.

iOS 18 public beta: Top 5 most useful features

Now that you've got iOS 18 public beta on your iPhone (and you hopefully have a backup because it's a risky install), let's dive into the top five most useful features.

1. QR Code for Wi-Fi password sharing

If you often have loved ones over, and you can never seem to remember the Wi-Fi password, you can generate a QR code for easy sharing. You can print it, too, so trusted users can always have access to it.

To get this feature, go to Passwords and tap on Wi-Fi. Next, tap on the credentials you'd like to share and tap on Show Network QR Code.

2. RCS messaging

Perhaps after some pressure from big-tech companies like Google and Samsung, Apple is finally offering RCS messaging support to iPhone users. In other words, the feature gap between Android and iPhone messaging will be significantly narrowed. High-resolution media sharing should go more smoothly, and typing indicators and read receipts should be a thing, too.

You can enable RCS Messaging by going to Settings > Apps > Messages before tapping the toggle next to RCS Messaging. (If you don't see this option, your carrier may not support it.)

Now, texting an Android user won't feel as different as it usually does, but you'll still see the green bubbles.

3. Tap to Cash

You can easily send money from one iPhone to another with the new Tap to Cash feature.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Go to Apple Wallet and tap on the "Cash" card. Hit the Send or Request button. Finally, type in the name of the recipient.

4. Satellite text messaging

Satellite connectivity is no longer for reserved for emergencies. You can now send messages to friends and loved ones without a Wi-Fi and cellular connection. You can do this by swiping down on your iPhone to reveal the Control Center. Next, tap on Satellite before hitting Try Demo.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Next, tap on Messages followed by Satellite Connection Demo. You'll then be prompted to temporarily turn off cellular. Next, you'll have to stand in a location with a clear view of the sky and wait for satellite connectivity. (I had to wait three minutes.)

5. Voice Memo transcription

Did you know that, with iOS 18, all your recordings can get transcribed? All you need to do is navigate to the Voice Memo app, record a message, and tap on the triple-dot icon on the top-right corner of your recording.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Tap on View Transcript to see iOS 18's speech-to-text capabilities in action.

Hoping to see Apple Intelligence on this list? Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence features aren't available in the latest beta. In fact, many Apple Intelligence features may not appear until 2025.