iOS 18 vs. iOS 17: Which Is Better?

Apple's latest iOS update is here, and with it comes a slew of new features and enhancements. But is iOS 18 truly better than iOS 17? Whether you're an Apple enthusiast eager to try the newest update or a cautious user weighing the benefits, this comprehensive comparison will help you decide if making the jump to iOS 18 is the right choice for you. Let's dive into the main changes, improvements, and what you can enjoy from iOS 18 Beta.

Part 1. What's New in iOS 18 Beta & iOS 18 Beta 2?

1. iPhone Mirror

iPhone Mirroring lets Mac users mirror the iPhone screen on their Mac device to interact with the iPhone, receive iPhone notifications on the Mac, seamlessly drag and drop between the Mac and iPhone, and more.

Users can enable iPhone Mirroring by clicking on the new iPhone Mirroring icon on their Mac device and following the instructions to enable iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to open and use apps, manage notifications, and more while their iPhone is locked.

2. SharePlay Screen Sharing

SharePlay is a collaborative feature based on FaceTime that allows you to make a video call with a friend using FaceTime, for example, and then watch the same movie on your respective device, such as an Apple TV, which is the equivalent of watching a movie together across space.

In iOS 18 Apple mentioned an enhancement to SharePlay's screen-sharing compatibility, which allows you to draw on someone's screen so they can see what to do, or take control of their screen and do it yourself.

3. RCS Switch

iOS 18 Beta 2 adds a toggle button for the new RCS messaging protocol, which will replace SMS and MMS, but RCS is not yet operational.

Currently, only U.S. iPhone users on RCS-enabled carriers (including T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T) will show RCS switching.

RCS will improve SMS conversations with Android users by allowing higher-quality images and videos, read receipts, typing indicators, and Tapback support.

4. Home Screen

The App Store icon on the home screen now has a dark mode that changes the background color of apps. Additionally, wallpaper tinting is available in automatic mode, which makes the wallpaper color darker when the user turns it on.

For certain icons, iOS 18 Beta 2 adds more dark areas, which improves the contrast of tonal features.

Part 2. Is iOS 18 Better Than iOS 17? [iOS 18 vs. iOS 17]

With each new iteration of iOS, Apple aims to enhance user experience, security, and functionality. But does iOS 18 truly surpass iOS 17? Here's a breakdown of key features and improvements to help you decide.

1. Performance and Speed

iOS 18 promises faster performance with more efficient processing and smoother multitasking. Early reports indicate noticeable improvements in app launch times and overall responsiveness, making the user experience more fluid than in iOS 17.

2. User Interface

The user interface in iOS 18 has been refined for better usability. New customization options, including enhanced widgets and more intuitive navigation, offer a fresher and more personalized feel compared to iOS 17's interface.

3. Security Enhancements

Security remains a top priority for Apple. iOS 18 introduces advanced encryption methods and improved privacy controls, giving users more control over their data. While iOS 17 already had robust security features, iOS 18 takes them a step further with even tighter protections against threats.

4. Battery Life

Battery optimization is another area where iOS 18 excels. Many users have reported longer battery life due to more efficient background processes and better power management compared to iOS 17.

5. Compatibility

Before upgrading, check your device's compatibility. While iOS 18 supports most devices that run iOS 17, there may be limitations for older models. Ensure your device can handle the new features without compromising performance.

Part 3. How to Downgrade iOS 18 Beta to iOS 17 Without Jailbreak?

If you've upgraded to the iOS 18 beta but are experiencing issues or simply prefer the stability of iOS 17, downgrading is possible with TunesKit iOS System Recovery. It's not just a professional iOS repair tool, it also allows you to upgrade or downgrade iOS with one click, enter or exit recovery mode for free, and reset your iOS device without a password. Sounds great, right?

Tips for a Successful Downgrade:

1. Backup Your Data: Ensure you have a complete backup of your device before starting the downgrade process to avoid data loss.

2. Charge Your Device: Ensure your device has sufficient battery life before starting the downgrade.

3. Stable Connection: Maintain a stable USB connection between your device and computer throughout the process.

TunesKit iOS System Recovery Key Features

• Download and install iOS 18 Beta within simple clicks
• Quick downgrade iOS, no jailbreak and no data loss
• Upgrade to the latest iOS 18 version without requiring a developer account
• Repair 150+ iOS issues without data loss
• Compatible with the latest iPadOS and iOS versions

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Guides on downgrading iOS 18 Beta to iOS 17 using TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 1Attach Your Device to Computer

Download and install the TunesKit iOS System Recovery software for your Mac or Windows PC. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer. Click Upgrade/Downgrade iOS on the main interface, then hit the iOS Downgrade option to continue.

Step 2Choose the Firmware Package and Start Downgrade

TunesKit will detect your device and present the appropriate firmware versions for downgrading. Select the iOS 17 firmware package from the list. Click the Download button to start downloading the firmware. Once the firmware package has been downloaded, click the Start Downgrade button, and click Downgrade again to confirm in the pop-up prompt. TunesKit will begin downgrading your device from iOS 18 beta to iOS 17.

Step 3Quickly Downgrade from iOS 18 Beta to iOS 17

Wait for the process to complete. Ensure your device remains connected and do not use it during the downgrade. After the downgrade process is complete, your device will restart automatically. Click Finish button on the software's screen. Follow the on-screen setup instructions to set your device.

By following these steps, you can successfully downgrade from iOS 18 beta to iOS 17 using TunesKit iOS System Recovery, restoring your device to its previous stable state.

Part 4. Conclusion

iOS 18 offers substantial improvements over iOS 17 in performance, security, and features. If your device is compatible, the upgrade is likely to enhance your experience significantly. However, as with any major update, it comes with bugs. If you've upgraded to iOS 18 Beta but prefer the stable version of iOS 17, you can use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to downgrade.