Fresh off the public release of iOS 18.2, beta testers who have been using the software since October are now looking forward to the upcoming iOS 18.3 beta, set to launch shortly. Here’s when you can anticipate the initial iOS 18.3 beta.
All indications suggest iOS 18.3 beta will debut this week
Though Apple is often secretive, it tends to adhere to familiar release patterns.
Typically, after a major software update is rolled out, the subsequent beta of that software appears a few days later.
This suggests that the first iOS 18.3 beta could land later this week.
Software launches on Fridays are relatively rare, making Thursday, December 12 the most plausible date for the iOS 18.3 beta 1.
While it’s possible for a release to occur on Friday, history indicates that Thursday is a safer option.
Holidays won’t affect the release
Some may question whether Apple will release new beta versions right before the holidays.
The answer is yes—definitely. Even with an extended holiday break approaching, Apple has a track record of delivering new betas during this time. The evidence spans several years.
Let’s look at what December has delivered over the last three years:
Public Releases
- iOS 17.2: Monday, December 11
- iOS 16.2: Tuesday, December 13
- iOS 15.2: Monday, December 13
Beta Releases
- iOS 17.3 beta: Tuesday, December 12
- iOS 16.3 beta: Wednesday, December 14
- iOS 15.3 beta: Friday, December 17
In the past two years, Apple released new x.3 betas the day after the big public x.2 launches. The instance of iOS 15 stands separate, arriving four days later on a Friday.
What to anticipate in iOS 18.3
The release of iOS 18.3 is particularly thrilling due to the lack of information about its content.
Apple has already hinted at features for the upcoming iOS 18.4, including enhanced language support for Apple Intelligence and significant Siri updates predicted by Mark Gurman.
However, for iOS 18.3 and its related updates, there have been no leaks to this point.
Some features we might expect, based on pre-announcements, include:
Overall, I am hoping for some unexpected additions. Perhaps the long-rumored Journal app will finally make its debut on the iPad? Or we could see new features for Home, setting the stage for the anticipated ‘HomePad’ in 2025?
In any case, we won’t have to wait too long to discover what Apple has lined up for iOS 18.3.
What are your hopes for iOS 18.3? Will you be eager to install the beta as soon as it’s available? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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