Apple releases iOS 18.2 release candidate

Apple has released another preliminary version for iOS 18.2 – this update is the official release candidate. The beta test is now coming to an end. The final release is expected at the beginning of next week.

iOS 18.2 is ready to launch

The publication of the release candidate was only a formality, as Apple had already indicated a few days ago that the new version would be released soon. December 9th is expected to be the start date for all users. With the update in the developer channel, Apple is entering the home stretch for the completion of iOS and iPadOS 18.2.

This reports, among other things, AppleInsider. Apple has therefore published a whole range of release candidates, including for macOS. The build numbers for iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 are 22C150, replacing its predecessor 22C5142a.

With the release of the new beta version, only a few errors have been addressed, according to the release notes. So basically nothing stands in the way of releasing it to all users, unless a bug is discovered that requires another round of beta – this has happened several times in the past.

Start beta update now

The new update is available as an update. Registered beta users simply obtain the new version over-the-air, i.e. as an online update. Anyone who has not yet registered for the beta program can do it again at any time and enter the beta phase. However, you should keep in mind that, as with any beta version, unforeseen problems could occur.

List of improvements/news in iOS 18.2

We have already reported in detail about the most important changes in iOS 18.2. Apple is now launching a whole range of new functions:

• Location sharing for AirTag: Share location with an airline or trusted person to find lost items. Links are valid for one week.
• Camera Control: New “Screen active for camera” switch that ensures the screen is lit before the camera is opened.
• Auto Exposure/Focus Lock: Ability to lock the exposure and focus settings until the button is released.
• Full-screen videos in Photos: Videos now display in full-screen mode without tapping.
• iPhone mirroring via hotspot: Mirroring function now also works when using the personal hotspot.
• Safari Download Progress: Download progress can now be tracked from the lock screen view.
• Volume control on lock screen: Volume control returns to adjust media volume from the lock screen.
• Daily Sudoku puzzles: Apple News+ subscribers receive daily access to Sudoku puzzles with different levels of difficulty (Apple News+ is not yet available in Germany).
• Manage default apps: New section in Settings for managing default apps such as email and browser.
• Camera Control Double Click Speed: Set the double click speed for the camera control button.
• Categorize emails: Redesigned Mail app for easy categorization of incoming emails.
• Generate images with prompts: New app “Image Playground” allows you to create images based on your own ideas.
• iPhone charging time estimate: Note on the time until the iPhone reaches a certain charging level.
• Custom Emoji Characters: Creation of Genmoji, individual emojis that are customizable.
• Query ChatGPT via Siri: Integrate ChatGPT with Siri to handle complex queries.
• View ChatGPT usage limits: Users can view limits for ChatGPT requests and optionally upgrade to the paid Plus subscription.
• Visual Intelligence: Functionality to provide information about the environment, such as restaurant details through camera recognition.
• Advanced writing tools: Reworked the feature for customizable changes to text, e.g. B. Adjusting the sound or transforming the content.