iOS 18.2 is here: You can use these exciting features now

The next iOS 18.2 update is already eagerly awaited. There were speculations that Apple would distribute it on December 9th, but things turned out differently than expected. Instead, the tech giant sent a second so-called “release candidate” to a beta tester. On December 11th the time had finally come: Apple released the update and you can now discover the new features. It's worth preparing your phone for this before installation.

Photos app adjustments

With the iOS 18 update, the Photos app has changed fundamentally: You used to be able to find your albums on an additional page – since the update, all functions have been bundled on one page. In addition, photos and videos initially open in a reduced view with thick bars at the edge. Only when you tap a second time will the full screen open. These changes were poorly received by many.

Apple has responded to the negative criticism and has made some improvements: the navigation is clearer again and your albums have their own page. In addition, videos and photos open again in full screen mode the first time they are tapped. To close it, you previously had to use the arrow in the top left corner. Now you can do it again with a simple swipe.

Additionally, you can now watch your videos frame by frame again by pressing and holding the timeline. You can now turn off videos from repeating automatically using a switch in the Photos app settings. Overall, the app should be clearer and easier to use after the update.

Now you can manage your default apps

Previously, some standard Apple apps, such as “Contacts,” could not be deleted. But now the European Union (EU) Digital Markets Act stipulates that it must be possible to remove standard apps and replace them with alternatives. For example, you can replace Apple Maps with Google Maps or iMessages with WhatsApp.

More features in the lock screen

You can now also discover some new functions in the lock screen. Before the iOS 16 update, the media player for music in the lock screen had a volume control, this was changed for no apparent reason. The iOS 18.2 update now brings the practical feature back. You can now enable the bar in Settings under “Audio and Visual”.

New on iPhone 16

In the iPhone 16, Apple has installed a so-called capture button for the first time. This basically works like a shutter button on a regular camera. With the iOS 18.2 update, the functions are expanded even further. You have been able to open the camera by clicking on the button for a long time now. A new setting allows you to prohibit opening when the screen is locked.

But the capture button is not a simple button; it is equipped with a pressure sensor. This plays a role in the next feature: If you apply light pressure, you can now lock the autofocus and exposure – just like with a system camera. However, first you need to enable this feature in the camera settings. Here you can now also adjust the speed by double-clicking on the button.

New Apple Intelligence features

Not all new features are coming to Germany with the update, because the Apple Intelligence AI is not yet available in this country. We shouldn't be able to use the new features until April 2025. However, you need at least an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max or an iPhone 16.

Big redesign for the Mails app

After the Photos app, Apple has now also redesigned the Mails app: The look of the interface should be more modern and clearer. Your emails are automatically divided into four categories: The most important messages end up in the primary channel, orders, invoices and delivery information are pushed into the “Transactions” channel. Under “Updates” you will find your newsletter and notifications, such as appointments. All offers and advertising emails also receive their own category with “Advertising”. The Categories view becomes the default view. However, you can change this in the settings and switch to chronological lists if necessary.

Long or very complex emails are automatically summarized by the AI. The smart feature can also give you suitable answer suggestions and the search function should also improve thanks to AI support.

Writing tools

Apple Intelligence offers some exciting functions to make your everyday life easier. Just like the writing tool: Before the update, it was possible to make the tone of a text friendlier, more professional or simpler. Now more individual wishes can be implemented with the rewrite function. For example, you could say, “Make a poem out of the text.”

Picture playground

With “Image Playground”, Apple is introducing a completely new app that allows you to create images based on your ideas. Similar to ChatGPT, you simply enter text and the app generates matching images. For inspiration, Apple offers predefined categories such as themes, locations or costumes. However, the images are not realistic but come in animation or illustration style.

Additionally, you can embed your friends and family photos from your Photos app to edit them. While Image Playground is a standalone app, it can also be integrated into apps like Notes, Messages, and Siri, or connected to third-party apps. The “Magic Wand” is then available to you in the notes. This can generate new images from simple sketches and descriptions.

Genmoji

Classic emojis are a thing of the past, the new thing at Apple are “Genmojies”. This means you can design almost any emoji you want and are no longer limited to the standardized sets. All you have to do is describe your idea or upload a photo. The latter creates genetic mojis that look similar to the person in the picture. Apple recently presented the feature in a video.

Unlike traditional emojis, Genmoji are not Unicode encoded characters. Instead, Apple has developed its own API that ensures that Genmoji is displayed correctly in all applications with rich text support (rti). Android users should also be able to see the small images on WhatsApp, for example.

Visual intelligence

With the iPhone 16, as soon as Apple Intelligence arrives in Germany, you will be able to use the new “Visual Intelligence” function. For example, if you point your camera at a restaurant, the app will show you information such as opening times and reviews.

In addition, the “Visual Intelligence” can read texts, recognize phone numbers and addresses and add them directly to your contacts. You can also copy and summarize texts. You can use the camera to search for products to find out where you can buy them. If you point to an object, you will receive further information via ChatGPT.

ChatGPT integration

Apple is working with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT. This partnership enables Siri to handle complex requests by routing them to ChatGPT.

An example: You can open a large PDF file and ask Siri to summarize information on a specific topic. Siri then passes the request to ChatGPT to create a detailed summary. If you have security concerns, you can simply deactivate ChatGPT in the settings.

This can be your AirTag now

With the AirTag, Apple has probably revolutionized the lives of forgetful people. For example, you can attach this transmitter to your key or keep it in a bag and track its location in the “Where Is?” app. With a new function you can generate a link in the app and also share the location with other people. Many airlines will soon accept these links in their help centers, making lost luggage easier to locate.

Mirror iPhone via hotspot

If you have an Apple ecosystem at home, you can mirror your iPhone on your MacBook. Previously, this did not work if both devices were connected via a hotspot. With the new update, this no longer plays a role and you can mirror your phone to your Mac, even if the devices are connected to a hotspot.

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