In this episode of iOS Decoded, 9to5Mac investigates several new features that Apple is testing in the latest iOS 18.5 betas. We’ve found evidence that Apple is testing tweaks to Stage Manager, allowing you to move windows partially off screen, or even overlap windows without auto layout engaging. We’ve also unearthed evidence that Apple is testing out Stage Manager for iPhone.
According to our findings, Photographic Styles, which are available for photos shot in the default Camera app, will be made available for third-parties in the future. Apple is also testing the ability to use these Smart Styles with video. These, and several other features have been discovered in this latest episode of iOS Decoded. Be sure to subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more.
Stage Manager behavior tweaks
Apple is currently testing at least two tweaks related to Stage Manager, and they are as follows:
- Drag windows to any position, including partially off-screen.
- Resize windows without altering the position of other windows.
For power users, these abilities would be a welcomed addition, especially the ability to move a window partially off screen. Even if Apple were to relegate these tweaks to accessibility options, these changes would make power users happy.
Video walkthrough
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Stage Manager for iPhone
Although it’s doubtful that we’ll get Stage Manager for the iPhone, the thought of turning your iPhone into a desktop computer is interesting, and there’s nothing technically stopping Apple from bringing the feature to the small screen. We’ve been able to test Stage Manager on iPhone via the iOS simulator, and it even works with an external display.
SuperDomino
A new SpringBoard feature flag named SuperDomino causes clock widgets in StandBy mode to render only half of the screen. This feature flag could be for a variety of use-cases. Of course, the first thing that might come to mind is Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, where half-screen rendering would make sense.
However, this could also be Apple testing some sort of StandBy mode iteration for iPad. Further testing shows that SuperDomino makes full screen StandBy widgets adopt a square aspect ratio, which would make more sense for Apple’s upcoming HomePad. Whatever the case, it looks like future versions of StandBy will expand beyond the iPhone.
Smart Styles for video
A new feature flag entitled Sandwich enables Smart Styles for video. So far, Smart Styles are only available for photos, but Apple is at least testing the idea of bringing them to videos shot with the default Camera app.
Smart Styles for third-party apps
In addition to Smart Styles for video, there is also evidence in iOS code that Apple plans on enabling Photographic Styles for third-party apps at a future time.
There are several other features covered in this episode of iOS Decoded, including the following:
- Apple removes ‘Apple Employees’ detail in Siri and Dictation policy
- New private SF symbols
- CVEs for MFI software
- Saved bank account numbers in Wallet & Apple Pay settings
- List paired Developer Macs
Be sure to watch the full video for a look at everything we discovered!
9to5Mac’s Take
It’s rumored that Apple is looking to add major improvements to Stage Manager, so perhaps these tweaks are the first step. Whatever the case, having more options for Stage Manager can only serve to make the feature more useful. What do you think about the features that Apple is testing behind the scenes? Sounds off in the comments with your thoughts.
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