As the year wraps up, December is set to introduce a range of exciting new Apple products, especially in software and services. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon and what won’t be arriving.
iOS 18.2 Loaded with Significant New Features
The launch of iOS 18.2 is expected around mid-December, likely in the week of December 9. This major software update is significant for all iPhone users, regardless of whether you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible device.
Here’s a summary of the standout AI features:
- Genmoji: Create your own custom emojis for use across various applications.
- ChatGPT in Siri: Siri will utilize ChatGPT for enhanced knowledge, allowing you to query ChatGPT directly.
- Image Playground: Generate unique AI images in styles of animation, illustration, or sketches.
- Visual Intelligence: Leverage the iPhone 16’s Camera Control to gain relevant insights from your surroundings.
- Compose with ChatGPT: OpenAI’s assistant can draft original text within any app.
- Custom Rewrites: Apple’s writing tools now offer the option to ‘Describe your change’ for tailor-made AI rewrites.
If your device lacks support for Apple Intelligence, or if you reside in an unsupported AI area, there are still many exciting upgrades awaiting you, including:
visionOS 2.2 Bringing Major Upgrades to Mac Virtual Display
One of the standout features of Vision Pro, the Mac Virtual Display, is receiving the long-anticipated upgrades.
visionOS 2.2 will bring four significant enhancements to Mac Virtual Display:
- a new Wide display option
- an even larger Ultrawide setting
- improved screen resolution for better visual sharpness
- audio playback directly from the Vision Pro instead of the connected Mac
For early users who may have drifted from regular Vision Pro usage, visionOS 2.2 promises to rekindle that interest.
Additional Significant Software Updates
While iOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 are set to deliver particularly enticing new features, Apple’s other platforms will also see notable updates:
First iOS 18.3 Betas Set to Launch
Apple is known for releasing the initial beta of new software shortly after the launch of its predecessor. Therefore, we can expect the first iOS 18.3 beta to arrive in mid-December.
While Mark Gurman has hinted at iOS 18.4 features set for spring, the details on what we might see in iOS 18.3 remain scarce, which increases the excitement surrounding the beta release as it may hold unexpected surprises.
Next Generation CarPlay Set to Debut
Apple previously announced that the first vehicles featuring the next-generation CarPlay would launch before the end of 2024. As of late November, this commitment is still prominently featured on the company’s CarPlay website, and there have been increasing indications that the new version of CarPlay is about to make its entry, making me optimistic that the long wait is nearing its conclusion this December.
New Releases on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, and numerous existing hits will continue to release new episodes throughout December.
However, in addition to these ongoing releases, there is a limited selection of new content coming this month. The standout launch is the streaming premiere of Fly Me to the Moon, along with highlights including a fresh nature documentary series and children’s programming. It seems to be a quiet period before January’s influx of new seasons for Severance and Mythic Quest.
New Titles on Apple Arcade
Apple has recently revealed its Apple Arcade offerings for the remainder of the year and into early 2025. December will see the debut of 8 new games, with notable highlights including:
What Won’t Be Arriving: New Hardware
After the launch of the first M4 Macs in November, it appears that Apple has shut the door on new hardware introductions for this year. Product launches during December are quite rare for Apple, with only a few exceptions typically occurring for devices that were announced in advance and merely meet the deadline for an ‘end of year’ launch. This year, however, no such products are anticipated.
What are you most eager to see from Apple this December? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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