These new features are coming to your iPhone in December with iOS 18.2 – 9to5Mac

Apple made a lot of promises for iOS 18, but a good portion of them are not available in the current betas of iOS 18.0 and iOS 18.1. Since most of the promised features are coming “later this year”, we should expect them in iOS 18.2 – assuming there are no delays.

For the past few years, iOS x.2 updates have been released in December. Any features that are missing from iOS 18 and 18.1 will appear in this version, considering that it will be the last possible release in 2024. Of course, there is always a chance that Apple will add a feature some important in the latest beta of 18.1, but that usually doesn’t happen.

ChatGPT support in Siri

On Apple’s last earnings call, CEO Tim Cook commented on the surprise release of Apple Intelligence units. Speaking about the announcement, he said that the ChatGPT integration will arrive “by the end of the calendar year.”

Apple is also reportedly investing in the OpenAI venture, showing their confidence in the company’s technology.

An extension of Apple Intelligence

At the iPhone 16 keynote this week, Apple announced that Apple Intelligence will be available for additional English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Apple Intelligence currently supports US English only.

Genmoji Playground and Pictures

We saw Apple’s graphics processing units at WWDC back in June, though we haven’t seen them run in beta since then. While there hasn’t been a concrete leak or confirmation from Apple when we’ll see these features shipped, it looks like it will be later this year.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that we’ll be seeing these photo rendering features in iOS 18.2 later this year. You’ll soon be able to create your own emojis and other cool images on iPhone 15 Pro and later.

Better hearing for AirPods Pro 2

Apple announced some new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 at the iPhone 16 keynote, including a new hearing protection system that will increase noise cancellation in noisy environments . They also include a new “medical grade” hearing aid, with a unique hearing system designed for the user. It is currently being certified by the FDA, and is expected to be released later this year, possibly alongside iOS 18.2.

A redesigned app

Apple’s new Mail app with a new design and layout is also expected to be released later this year, according to Apple’s website. You can read more about the new Mail app and all its features here.

Forced to select browser in EU

Apple unveiled a new screen for choosing your default browser in the EU earlier this year, but starting later this year, Apple will be forced to show that screen regularly.

If you are currently using Safari, you will be prompted to view this browser preferences screen when you update. Additionally, you will have to check this configuration once a year, or when you create a new device. Unlike most iOS settings, this will not continue with backups. You can learn more about these EU changes here.

Robot vacuum cleaner support.

Apple also says we can expect full support for robotics later this year. The Home app will be able to control the main features of vacuum cleaners – such as power control, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop, and charge level. You’ll also be able to interact with Robot vacuums using Siri.

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Are any of these features exciting for iOS 18.2? Let us know in the comments.

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