Apple releases third beta of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2: Here is everything new

Apple has rolled out the third developer beta of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, featuring noteworthy updates and bug fixes. The public release is expected in Decembe

In Short

• Apple released the third betas of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 to developers
• The update includes fixes in the photos app and new Apple Intelligence features
• The official releas eof iOS 18 is excpected in Dec 2024

After the release of iOS 18.1, Apple is now testing the third beta versions of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 with developers. The third developer beta of iOS 18.3 has been rolled out ahead of the anticipated public release in December. This update focuses on bug fixes and new features to enhance user experience across apps like Photos and TV, as well as expanded functionality with Apple Intelligence.

According to a report by MacRumors, the most significant updates in this beta include improvements to the Photos app’s video player, a customizable navigation bar in the TV app on iPadOS, and expanded control over the Camera Control button, adding functionality for newer iPhone models. Let’s take a quick look at everything new Apple is testing with iOS 18.2 beta.

iOS 18.2 features

Update in Photos App: The Photos app received a major redesign with iOS 18, but not all users were pleased with the initial changes. In response to this user feedback, iOS 18.2's third beta is bringing a new upgrade to photos app, which will reportedly expand the video player and reduce the thick borders that previously surrounded videos.

New Camera Control setting

The latest beta of iOS 18.2 introduces an upgraded Camera Control setting for iPhone 16 users. Located under Display & Brightness settings, users will find a “Require Screen On” toggle, which when activated, will restrict the button’s use to only when the iPhone screen is on. Users can also disable this feature, allowing the button to function even when the screen is off.

Redesigned CarPlay icons

With iOS 18.2 beta 3, Apple has also updated the Climate and Media app icons for CarPlay. The resigned look will also appear in future CarPlay-supported vehicles which are expected to launch by the end of 2024.

Other iOS 18.2 Updates

The iOS 18.2 update also brings changes to the AirDrop icon, which now appears in a dark hue when Dark Mode is enabled, addressing previous inconsistencies. Additionally, the update also fixes problems with Precision Finding on AirTags and the “Play Sound” functionality for AirPods and compatible third-party accessories within Apple’s Find My network.

For features of Apple Intelligence

The latest beta also introduces new AI-driven tools like Genmoji, a custom emoji generator, and Image Playground, which enables users to create AI-generated images from prompts. Moreover, Apple is also integrating ChatGPT into Siri that will now allow users to receive more comprehensive answers and create content without needing an external account.

iOS 18.2 release date and compatibility

The third developer beta of iOS 18.2 is compatible with the iPhone XS and later. However, advanced Apple Intelligence features, such as Visual Intelligence and Siri’s ChatGPT integration, are exclusive to the latest hardware-specifically, the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and select M-series iPads and Macs. A public beta is expected soon, offering a broader audience the chance to preview these updates before the official December release.

Alongside iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, Apple has also released new betas for macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod Software 18.2. This complete suite of updates is expected to officially launch in December, delivering a robust range of new features across Apple’s devices.