The wait is almost over: Apple is poised to release iOS 18.2 on Monday (December 9).
If you weren’t sold on Apple Intelligence at launch, the new update could make you a believer.
Soon, Apple’s AI will be able to whip up custom emojis and images, give you direct access to ChatGPT via Siri, and give you information about real places and objects through your camera.
Here’s what you need to know about iOS 18.2, including how to download it as soon as it’s out.
What time is iOS 18.2 coming out?
With the launch of its release candidate late last week signalling that the software’s beta period is coming to an end, the update is now primed for its big debut.
After downloading iOS 18.2, be sure to check for the new “Playground” app on your iPhone that lets you create AI-generated images, including pics based on your photos. (Apple)
As such, Apple is widely expected to release iOS 18.2 on December 9. And, if it sticks to its typical schedule for software updates, we can expect it to land at 3pm in the UK.
It will also be accompanied by iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and watchOS 11.2.
How to install iOS 18.2
If you want to get the update as soon as possible, you may need to manually check for an update on your iPhone.
Head to the Settings area, then select General. Tap Software Update and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the iOS 18 update.
Get ready to create quirky emojis to share with your friends. (Apple)
What’s new in iOS 18.2?
iOS 18.2 brings a wave of new features, led by new AI-powered tools that are exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and iPhone 16.
Once again, Apple Intelligence is the star attraction, courtesy of its new AI image-generation perks. With Genmoji and Image Playground, you can create emojis and cartoonish images by typing a short description.
However, they’re not available out of the box – you’ll need to join a waiting list. Once granted access, Genmoji will appear on the iPhone keyboard, while the image generator will live in the new Playground app.
Don’t like Sir’s response? Ask ChatGPT instead. (Apple)
Siri also gets a major upgrade, integrating ChatGPT into its responses. To enable it, Apple will prompt you to download the ChatGPT app and sign in (optional, but necessary if you want to save chat history). And, thanks to iOS 18.1, you can already type commands instead of talking to the digital helper.
iPhone 16 users can now give Apple’s spin on Google Lens a go. By pointing their camera at objects or locations, the AI can fetch details like restaurant reviews, opening hours, and contact information. Apple calls this Visual Intelligence and it works with the Camera Control button.
The AI writing tools introduced in iOS 18.1 are expanding with two new options: Describe Your Change and Compose. Now, Apple’s AI or ChatGPT can craft original text, going beyond simply rewriting draft emails or messages.
The new AI-powered priority section at the top of your Apple Mail inbox (Apple)
Even if AI isn’t your thing, iOS 18.2 includes updates for all users:
Mail:
-
Digest view groups all messages from a sender into a single bundle for easier browsing.
Photos:
-
Frame-by-frame video scrubbing and an option to turn off auto-looping video playback.
-
Improved navigation in Collections views, with swipe-right support to return to previous views.
-
Recently Viewed and Recently Shared album history can now be cleared.
-
The Favorites album now appears in the Utilities collection as well as Pinned Collections.
Safari:
-
New background images to personalise your Safari start page.
-
Import and Export options to transfer browsing data between Safari and other apps.
-
HTTPS Priority, which upgrades URLs to HTTPS whenever possible.
-
File Download Live Activity, showing download progress in the Dynamic Island and on your home screen.
