iOS 18.1 is expected to be publicly released on Monday, October 28, 2024, and for beta users, the good news is that iOS 18.2 Beta will follow shortly after.
Mark Gurman suggests that iOS 18.2 will continue to introduce Apple Intelligence features that are missing from iOS 18.1, which I’ll list below.
Visual Intelligence (iPhone 16 Series)
According to @aaronp613 on X, code found in Apple’s backend references Visual Intelligence. This is a new feature on the iPhone 16 lineup, activated by tapping or holding the Camera Control button to quickly learn about objects and places around you.
You can view restaurant reviews, add events from posters to your calendar, identify a dog by breed, and more. There’s a “Search” button for Google search and an “Ask” button to request guidance from ChatGPT.
ChatGPT Integration
Apple announced that ChatGPT will be seamlessly integrated with Siri and Writing Tools, allowing you to harness its expertise without switching apps.
Genmoji
Genmoji lets you create custom emojis based on descriptions you type, such as a wolf riding a motorcycle or a cucumber listening to music. You can even use photos of friends or family to create Genmoji.
Image Playground
Similar to Genmoji, but Image Playground creates images based on your description instead of emojis. Although integrated into Notes and Messages, it also has a standalone app.
You can generate images in different styles like Cartoon, Illustration, and Sketch. Apple says you can also use photos from your library in Image Playground.
Image Wand
Image Wand is the name for the Image Playground feature within Notes. If you have a rough sketch in a note, use your finger or Apple Pencil to draw a circle around it to generate an image that complements your sketch.
Alternatively, create an image based on the context of the note by circling a blank area.
Priority Notifications
Priority Notifications uses Apple Intelligence to detect and highlight the most important notifications at the top of your notification stack.
Localized English for Apple Intelligence
Localized English for Apple Intelligence will be available for the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
Redesigned Mail App
Apple showcased the redesigned Mail app at WWDC24, and it hasn’t arrived with iOS 18.1 yet. Mark Gurman hints that the new design will finally come in iOS 18.2.
The new design will include buttons at the top of the Mail app to categorize incoming emails into groups like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
Display Business Logos in Mail and Wallet
On October 16, Apple announced that businesses will be able to register to display their branding in the Mail and Phone apps, as well as customize their logo for the Tap to Pay feature on iPhone.
Starting with iOS 18.2, you’ll see business logos in the Mail app and via Tap to Pay on iPhone. In 2025, business names, logos, and departments will also appear on the incoming call screen.
For the EU
Apple continues to implement changes for iPhone and iPad users in the EU, including:
- A default browser selection screen with more options.
- Users can set default apps for phone calls, messaging, password managers, keyboards, and spam call filtering.
- EU users will be able to delete App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. Only Settings and Phone cannot be deleted.
When will iOS 18.2 Beta be released?
If Apple follows its usual release schedule, iOS 18.2 Beta 1 could arrive on October 29-30, 2024.
Here’s the past release schedule:
- iOS 17.2 Beta 1: Thursday, October 26, 2023
- iOS 16.2 Beta 1: Tuesday, October 25, 2022
- iOS 15.2 Beta 1: Wednesday, October 27, 2021
iOS 18.2 will be officially released in mid-December.
Are you excited about these new features in iOS 18.2 Beta? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!