iOS 18 Beta Notes Reveal More Changes for FaceTime, Siri, and Wallet

Apple shared iOS 18 beta release notes on its developer website last week, and they reveal some smaller changes related to FaceTime, Siri, and the Wallet app.

Generic iOS 18 Feature Real Mock
iOS 18 is currently in beta for Apple Developer Program members, with a public beta to follow in July. The update should be widely released in September.

FaceTime

Apple says FaceTime will use more data in Low Power Mode on iOS 18 when network conditions are good, for improved video call quality.

Siri

iOS 18 includes a new setting that can "significantly" improve Siri's audio quality in Bluetooth-enabled vehicles that lack CarPlay, according to Apple.

The new option can be found in the Settings app under Siri → Siri Responses → "Respond over Media Source." The description for this setting says that "Siri will respond over A2DP car stereos, which is ideal while listening to media from your phone."

Wallet

As noted by Nicolás Álvarez, the notes indicate that users adding an ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone may now be asked to take a Live Photo instead of, or in addition to, conducting a series of head and facial movements. Apple says the Live Photo will be evaluated by the device to ensure that the real and rightful person is adding the ID.

Apple first announced the ability to add a driver's license or ID to the Wallet app in 2021, but only four U.S. states have rolled out the feature so far, including Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, and Georgia. The feature provides a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports, businesses, and venues.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

zorinlynx Avatar
10 months ago
"Respond over Media Source" is highly welcome! I hate how the car goes into phone call mode whenever I ask Siri for anything.

Would be nice to also have "Always respond on iPhone speaker", keeping bluetooth devices away from Siri entirely. I don't need the whole party to hear Siri's response if I ask it something when playing music over Bluetooth at a gathering, etc.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LightProtector Avatar
10 months ago
Man, I wish Apple's digital ID would be adopted by more states. I would love to see it in Florida, but I doubt it would happen with the current administration.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
10 months ago

Apple first announced the ability to add a driver's license or ID to the Wallet app in 2021, but only four U.S. states have rolled out the feature ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/14/apple-wallet-app-ids-slow-adoption/') so far, including Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, and Georgia. The feature provides a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports, businesses, and venues.
Apparently New York has some form of digital ID rolling out, but it doesn't seem to be integrated at all into Apple Wallet. So, you're using a crusty state-supplied app for it. Bleh.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dontwalkhand Avatar
10 months ago

That's what I don't get about all the people wanting this.

It's a HORRIBLE idea.

Why does anybody think a little thin plastic card is somehow a huge burden to carry?
Because it is NOT a horrible idea, only ridiculous conspiracies think its a horrible idea, which I and the majority of people don’t subscribe to.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JCoe13 Avatar
10 months ago

"Respond over Media Source" is highly welcome! I hate how the car goes into phone call mode whenever I ask Siri for anything.

Would be nice to also have "Always respond on iPhone speaker", keeping bluetooth devices away from Siri entirely. I don't need the whole party to hear Siri's response if I ask it something when playing music over Bluetooth at a gathering, etc.
Looks like that is also an option:

- Respond over Radio
- Respond over Media Source
- Respond over Phone Speakers
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dontwalkhand Avatar
10 months ago

Apparently New York has some form of digital ID rolling out, but it doesn't seem to be integrated at all into Apple Wallet. So, you're using a crusty state-supplied app for it. Bleh.
We have the crusty state supplied app as well as Apple Wallet here in Arizona. The only thing the Apple Wallet one is useful for is the airport, and the actual DMV office itself. The rest, the “crusty app” actually is better because it shows a replica of your actual ID on your phone, along with the barcode, allowing existing equipment and places to accept it fine.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)