The beta version of iOS 18.2 is now in testing, introducing the latest Apple Intelligence enhancements, including features like Image Playground, integration with ChatGPT, and Genmoji.
While the AI-related features are capturing the bulk of the spotlight, there are several other significant updates set to arrive on the iPhone next month. Continue reading for a summary of all the non-AI features included in the iOS 18.2 update.
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 18.2?
iOS 18.2 will be available for all iPhone models that support iOS 18. It’s worth noting that the Apple Intelligence features will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all models in the iPhone 16 lineup.
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd gen)
- iPhone SE (3rd gen)
New features in iOS 18.2 (excluding AI)
Enhancements to iPhone 16 Camera Control
The Camera Control on the iPhone 16 is receiving three key updates in iOS 18.2:
- Two-stage shutter: Lightly press to lock the focus and exposure on a subject, then fully press to capture the image.
- Double-click speed: Customize the double-click speed for Camera Control in Settings > Accessibility > Camera Control, with options for Default, Slow, and Slower.
- Require Screen On: A single press of the Camera Control will launch the Camera app, even if the iPhone 16’s screen is off, adjustable in the Settings app.
Revamped Mail app
The Mail app in iOS 18.2 undergoes significant transformation, including a new on-device categorization feature that organizes your inbox into four distinct categories:
- Primary: Important and time-sensitive emails
- Transactions: Order confirmations and receipts
- Updates: Notifications from news outlets and social media
- Promotions: Marketing communications and discount offers
Additional enhancements include a “digest view” that showcases all correspondence from a specific sender. Users can also choose to display notification badges solely for unread messages in the “Primary” category.
Upgrades to Find My
The Find My app has introduced a new feature that allows you to share the location of a lost AirTag by generating a link, enabling others to assist you in locating it.
This link can be distributed to individuals who can utilize it to see the lost item’s location on an interactive map, which updates in real time and includes timestamps of the latest updates.
Moreover, Apple has partnered with over 15 airlines to integrate systems for accepting location links to help locate lost luggage.
Volume Limit Control
With iOS 18.2, the Settings app introduces a new “Volume Limit” feature that allows you to designate a maximum volume for audio playback through your iPhone. To access this, go to the Settings app and navigate to “Sounds and Haptics.”
Volume Slider on the Lock Screen Returns
With the update, iOS 18.2 allows you to permanently restore the volume slider to your iPhone’s Lock Screen, which was removed in iOS 16 except during AirPlay usage.
To find this setting:
- Open the Settings app
- Go to “Accessibility”
- Select “Audio and Visual”
- Enable or disable the “Always Show Volume Control” option
New Features for Voice Memos
For users of the iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18.2 offers an enhanced Voice Memos experience that allows you to stack multiple audio tracks, providing more editing and recording options. You can also separate these tracks after recording.
Changes to the Photos app
In the Photos app, tapping on a video will no longer zoom in or out. Instead, both the video scrubber and the gallery view at the bottom will remain visible.
Additional Enhancements
- Apple has indicated that iOS 18.2 will implement previously discussed changes to the browser selection screen for EU iPhone users. The update will also allow the deletion of the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari apps.
- Users can now select default apps for messaging and calling globally, managed via a new “Defaults” menu in the Settings app.
- A new “Type to Siri” widget has been added to the Control Center in iOS 18.2.
- A new option to import or export browsing history and website data is available in Settings > Apps > Safari.
- The Podcasts app will let users mark specific categories as favorites directly.
- iPhone Mirroring can now be utilized while your iPhone serves as a hotspot for your Mac.
- New Shortcuts actions for the Fitness app have also been introduced.
Release Date for iOS 18.2
Apple has confirmed that iOS 18.2 is set to be released to all users in December. Here’s a timeline of previous point-two updates for major iOS versions:
- iOS 17.2 was released on December 11, 2023.
- iOS 16.2 was released on December 13, 2022.
- iOS 15.2 was released on December 13, 2021.
Conclusion
Please keep in mind that iOS 18.2 is currently in beta testing; some features may undergo changes prior to the official release next month.
What features of iOS 18.2 are you looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
My top picks for iPhone 16 accessories:
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