Today, Apple rolled out what is likely the final beta of iOS 18.2 to developers and public beta testers. This release also marks the first time Apple has shared the complete release notes for iOS 18.2. Users can expect to see the official update available to the general public next week.
Here’s everything you should know…
iOS 18.2: Complete Release Notes
Below are the notable features included in iOS 18.2 that Apple deems significant enough to highlight in the release notes:
Apple Intelligence (Compatible with all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max)
- Image Playground
- A new application that enables users to create fun and creative images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library in various styles.
- Users can swipe through previews and select images as they build their creations.
- Options for animation and illustration styles while crafting images are provided.
- Images can be generated within Messages and Freeform, as well as third-party applications.
- Images created are synced across all devices in the Image Playground library via iCloud.
- Genmoji
- Genmoji allows users to design custom emojis directly from their keyboard.
- Genmoji creations sync across all devices in the sticker drawer using iCloud.
- ChatGPT Support
- Users can access ChatGPT from OpenAI through Siri or Writing Tools.
- The Compose function in Writing Tools allows for creations from scratch with ChatGPT.
- Siri can leverage ChatGPT to provide relevant answers.
- No ChatGPT account is necessary; user requests will remain anonymous and will not contribute to training OpenAI’s models.
- For those who wish to sign in with ChatGPT, account benefits will apply and requests will adhere to OpenAI’s data policies.
- The Image Wand feature converts sketches and handwritten or typed notes into images within the Notes app.
- The “Describe your change” feature in Writing Tools allows users to suggest rewrites, such as rephrasing content as a poem.
Camera Control (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max)
- Visual Intelligence with Camera Control lets users instantly gather information about their surroundings or interact with items by pointing their iPhone at them, also allowing access to Google Search or ChatGPT.
- The Camera Control’s two-stage shutter feature enables users to lock focus and exposure within the Camera app by lightly pressing the Camera Control button.
- Mail Categorization helps prioritize important messages by organizing them.
- The Digest view combines all messages from a single sender into one bundle for easier browsing.
Photos
- Improvements for video viewing, including frame-by-frame scrubbing and a setting to disable auto-looping playback.
- Enhanced navigation in Collections views allows users to swipe right to return to the previous view.
- Options to clear Recently Viewed and Recently Shared album history are now available.
- The Favorites album is accessible in the Utilities collection, along with Pinned Collections.
Safari
- New background images enhance customization of the Safari Start Page.
- The Import and Export feature allows users to transfer their browsing data to and from other applications.
- HTTPS Priority improves security by upgrading URLs to HTTPS where feasible.
- File Download Live Activity displays file download progress in the Dynamic Island and on the home screen.
This update also includes additional improvements and bug fixes:
- Voice Memos now supports layered recording, enabling users to add vocals over existing tracks without headphones; two-track projects can be imported directly into Logic Pro (iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max).
- Share Item Location in Find My allows secure sharing of an AirTag or Find My network accessory location with trusted individuals to help locate lost items, such as with airlines.
- Natural language search functionality in the Apple Music and Apple TV apps allows users to describe what they’re searching for using various categories like genres, moods, actors, and decades.
- Favorite Categories in Podcasts lets users select their preferred categories for relevant show recommendations that are easily accessible in their Library.
- The Personalized Search page in Podcasts showcases the most relevant categories and curated collections tailored to users.
- Sudoku for News+ Puzzles, available in three difficulty levels, is included for News+ subscribers.
- Support for the Hearing Test feature on AirPods Pro 2 has been expanded to Cyprus, Czechia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
- Hearing Aid support for AirPods Pro 2 is now available in the United Arab Emirates.
- Pre-market price quotes enable users to track NASDAQ and NYSE tickers before market hours.
- Fixes an issue where recently captured photos were not immediately visible in the All Photos grid.
- Resolves an issue where Night mode photos in Camera could show degradation during long exposures (iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max).
My favorite accessories for the iPhone 16:
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