What to Expect from iOS 18.2: New Features, Release Date, and More
With iOS 18.1 launching soon, all eyes are on the upcoming iOS 18.2, expected to drop in December. This update will introduce exciting new features, including advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, enhancements for the iPhone 16, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming in iOS 18.2.
Release Date
Apple is set to release iOS 18.1 on October 28. Following that, beta testing for iOS 18.2 is anticipated to start shortly after and continue until December. Historical trends suggest a December launch for point-two updates:
- iOS 17.2: December 11, 2023 (Beta started October 26)
- iOS 16.2: December 13, 2022 (Beta started October 27)
- iOS 15.1: December 13, 2021 (Beta started October 27)
Bloomberg reports that Apple aims to achieve "zero-bug status" for iOS 18.2 by early November, allowing them to finalize beta testing for a December release.
Key Features of iOS 18.2
Apple Intelligence Upgrades
iOS 18.2 will continue to enhance Apple’s artificial intelligence features, following the rollout announced at WWDC in June. Key additions include:
Image Playground: This app allows users to generate fun images quickly using three styles: Animation, Illustration, and Sketch. It will be available as a standalone app and integrated into Messages and Mail.
Genmoji: Users can create custom emojis based on text descriptions, even generating them from friends' photos. These Genmojis can be used in messages and shared as stickers.
ChatGPT Integration: Siri will utilize ChatGPT to answer questions and assist with document and image understanding. Additionally, users will have access to ChatGPT's writing and image generation tools.
Priority Notifications: This feature will prioritize important notifications, placing them at the top of your notification stack.
New Markets for Apple Intelligence
Apple will expand its Apple Intelligence capabilities to new countries, including:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
Camera Control Upgrades for iPhone 16
Two-Stage Shutter: This feature will enable users to lock focus and exposure with a light press, followed by a full press to take the picture.
Visual Intelligence: By holding the Camera Control button, users can access information about their surroundings, such as restaurant hours or breed identification for dogs. This feature will also facilitate interactions with third-party tools.
Mail App Redesign
The Mail app will receive an overhaul with on-device categorization for emails, organizing them into four categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. A new "digest view" will aggregate relevant emails from businesses.
EU Changes
New features for EU users will include:
- Enhanced browser choice screen.
- Default app settings for phone calls, messaging, and more.
- The option to delete native apps like Safari, Messages, and Photos.
Additional Features
Other potential features for iOS 18.2 could include:
- Robot Vacuum Support: Integration with the Home app to control vacuum features.
- Hearing Health for AirPods Pro 2: Expected launch of Hearing Aid and Hearing Test modes, pending FDA authorization.
Conclusion
What are you most excited about in iOS 18.2? Will you be using the new Image Playground or Genmoji features? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
For more details, keep an eye on updates about iOS 18.2 and its new features as we approach the release.
