Apple is steadily moving toward the public release of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, with the third beta now available to developers. The update focuses on addressing bugs, refining user experience, and introducing new features across apps like Photos, TV, and CarPlay, alongside advancements in Apple Intelligence. Here's a comprehensive look at what’s new in the third beta of iOS 18.2.
Key Updates in iOS 18.2
Photos App Redesign Enhancements
- The Photos app received a significant overhaul in iOS 18, but some design elements were not well-received by users. The third beta of iOS 18.2 addresses this by:
- Expanding the video player for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Removing the thick borders around videos, offering a cleaner look.
- The Photos app received a significant overhaul in iOS 18, but some design elements were not well-received by users. The third beta of iOS 18.2 addresses this by:
Upgraded Camera Control Settings
- iPhone 16 users now have access to enhanced Camera Control functionality.
- A new “Require Screen On” toggle under Display & Brightness settings limits the use of the Camera Control button to when the screen is active, offering greater customization.
Redesigned CarPlay Icons
- The Climate and Media app icons in CarPlay have been updated with a sleek, modern look.
- These redesigned icons will also feature in upcoming CarPlay-supported vehicles expected to launch by late 2024.
AirDrop and Find My Improvements
- AirDrop's icon now adjusts to Dark Mode, fixing previous inconsistencies.
- Precision Finding for AirTags and the "Play Sound" function for AirPods and compatible accessories within the Find My network have also been improved.
Advancements in Apple Intelligence
Apple continues to integrate AI-driven tools into iOS, adding exciting new features:
- Genmoji: A custom emoji generator that allows users to create unique, AI-designed emojis.
- Image Playground: Enables users to generate AI-driven images based on text prompts.
- Siri with ChatGPT Integration: Siri now includes ChatGPT-based AI, offering more comprehensive answers and the ability to create content directly, without needing an external account.
Other Updates and Fixes
- AirDrop Icon Update: The icon adapts seamlessly to Dark Mode.
- Fixes for AirTags and AirPods: Resolved issues with AirTags' Precision Finding and the "Play Sound" feature.
Release Date and Compatibility
- The third developer beta of iOS 18.2 is now available for testing, with a public beta expected shortly.
- The final release is anticipated in December 2024.
- iOS 18.2 is compatible with iPhone XS and later models. However, features like Siri's ChatGPT integration and other advanced Apple Intelligence tools are exclusive to newer devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and select M-series iPads and Macs.
What’s Next?
Alongside iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, Apple has rolled out betas for:
- macOS Sequoia 15.2
- watchOS 11.2
- tvOS 18.2
- HomePod Software 18.2
These updates are set to launch as part of Apple’s December release cycle, ensuring a unified and enhanced experience across all Apple devices.
Stay tuned for more updates as the public beta approaches and new features are tested!