iOS 18.1 is expected to launch on October 28, with iOS 18.2 slated for release in December. The update will bring a fresh wave of features, building on the AI advancements introduced in iOS 18.1. Apple is aiming to finalize iOS 18.2’s beta by early November to ensure a smooth release by the year’s end. Historically, point-two updates for iOS versions have arrived in December, and iOS 18.2 is expected to follow this timeline.
One of the main focuses of iOS 18.2 will be Apple Intelligence, which has been gradually rolled out since WWDC in June. New AI-driven tools include Image Playground, a feature that allows users to generate images using three styles: Animation, Illustration, and Sketch.
Image Playground will be integrated into apps like Messages and Mail, and it promises quick and fun image creation. Additionally, Apple will introduce “Genmoji,” a tool that lets users create custom emojis from text descriptions or even photos of their friends and family.
Siri will also benefit from AI in iOS 18.2, with ChatGPT integration that enhances Siri’s ability to answer world knowledge questions and understand images and documents. ChatGPT’s capabilities will extend to Apple’s Writing Tools, allowing users to generate content and images based on prompts. Apple is also debuting a new feature called Priority Notifications, which will ensure that the most important notifications rise to the top of the stack.
The iPhone 16 will receive significant upgrades in iOS 18.2, particularly in camera controls. A new two-stage shutter mode will allow users to lock focus and exposure with a light press, taking the photo with a full press. Additionally, a new “visual intelligence” feature will be available, allowing users to get more information about their surroundings, such as restaurant hours or breed identification for dogs. This feature will also connect to third-party tools like Google and ChatGPT.
Apple’s iOS 18.2 update will include a redesign of the Mail app, featuring enhanced sorting of incoming messages into categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. A new “digest view” will also pull together related emails from specific businesses. These changes are not considered part of Apple Intelligence but will be available across all iOS 18 devices.
Lastly, iOS 18.2 will introduce some changes in the European Union, including more control over default apps for phone calls, messaging, password managers, and more. Users in the EU will also be able to delete core Apple apps like Safari, Photos, and Messages. In addition, there are rumors that Apple may introduce new features for robot vacuum support in the Home app, as well as hearing health options for AirPods Pro 2, though the latter’s launch date is still unconfirmed.
