Following an extensive testing phase, Apple has just released the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 18.2, for all users. The update contains a variety of new functions and improvements, but the expanded AI features once again avoid interested users within the European Union.
Apple Intelligence features
This is a shame, as Apple Intelligence's expanded features are among the most noticeable innovations. US users can now use the Image Playground image generator, which creates illustrations and animations based on text input. The new “Genmoji”, individually designed emojis, are also part of the update. According to Apple, these functions will not be available in Germany until April of next year.
Another highlight is the integration of ChatGPT into Siri. This enables requests to be forwarded and thus expands the functionality of the voice assistance accordingly. Apple emphasizes that using ChatGPT does not require registration and requests remain anonymous.
The email application is also undergoing revisions, such as the new inbox layout and the automatic categorization of new emails. However, these are also reserved for the regions where Apple Intelligence is already available.
Default apps and system settings
iOS 18.2 introduces a new option that allows users to set default apps for different categories such as email, messages or browser.
The Find My app has been expanded to allow you to share an AirTag's location with third parties or airlines. This is done via a generateable link that can be opened on any device.
Improvements in camera and media playback
For iPhone 16, iOS 18.2 offers new camera controls, including the option to automatically turn on the display before activating the camera. In addition, the navigation options in the photo library have been improved. Videos now show thumbnails of other content as they play, making it easier to switch between recordings.
Further adjustments
The smaller innovations include optimized music that saves the location of saved songs.
Apple highlights that the update also includes numerous bugs and security improvements, including a more stable display of Night Mode photos and fixes for display issues in the Photo Gallery.
iOS 18.2: Apple package insert
Camera control (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max)
- The camera controls two-stage shutter lets you lock focus and exposure time in the Camera app by lightly pressing the camera controls.
Photos
- Improvements to watching videos, including the ability to learn frame by frame and disable video auto-looping.
- Improvements to navigating collection views, including the ability to swipe right to return to normal view.
- The “Last Viewed” and “Last Shared” album histories can be deleted.
- The Favorites album appears in the Other collection in addition to Pinned Collections.
safari
- New wallpapers to decorate your Safari homepage are available.
- Using the Import and Export options, you can export browsing data from Safari and import browsing data from another app into Safari.
- The URLs updated with HTTPS priority are always possible on HTTPS.
- Live File Loading Activity shows the progress of a file downloading in the Dynamic Island and on your Home screen.
This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
- “Voice Memos” allows layered recordings. This allows you to overlay a vocal recording over an existing song idea without headphones – and then import your two-track projects directly into Logic Pro (iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max).
- The Share Item Location option in the Find My app allows you to locate and locate lost items by easily and securely sharing the location of an AirTag or accessory on the Find My network with trusted third parties such as airlines.
- Preferred categories in the Podcasts app allow you to choose your favorite categories and receive relevant show recommendations that you can easily access in your library.
- The personalized search page in the Podcasts app highlights the most relevant categories and collections curated just for you by the editors.
- The Hearing Test feature on AirPods Pro 2 is supported in Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
- The Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 is supported in the United Arab Emirates.
- Use pre-market prices in the Stocks app to track NASDAQ and NYSE tickers before the market opens.
- Fixes an issue when newly captured photos do not immediately appear in the All Photos grid.
- Addresses an issue where night mode photos in the Camera app could appear in poorer quality at long exposure times (iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max).
