As the year wraps up, December is set to witness a range of new releases from Apple, with a focus on software and services. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon, along with what’s not making it this month.
iOS 18.2 Brings Significant New Features
Expected to launch around mid-December, likely during the week of December 9, iOS 18.2 is anticipated to be a major update for iPhone users, regardless of whether they own a device compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Here’s a glimpse of the AI enhancements:
- Genmoji: Create personalized emojis for any application.
- ChatGPT in Siri: Siri will incorporate ChatGPT’s knowledge, allowing direct querying of ChatGPT.
- Image Playground: Generate original AI artwork in various styles, including animation and sketches.
- Visual Intelligence: Leverage Camera Control on the iPhone 16 for retrieving information from your surroundings.
- Compose with ChatGPT: Craft original text using OpenAI’s assistant within any app.
- Custom Rewrites: Employ Apple’s writing tools to request specific modifications for personalized AI-generated text.
If your device lacks support for Apple Intelligence or if you’re situated in an unsupported AI region, don’t worry; there are still plenty of exciting enhancements to anticipate. These upgrades include:
visionOS 2.2 Brings Major Updates to Mac Virtual Display
One of the most cherished features of Vision Pro, the Mac Virtual Display, is set to receive the highly anticipated upgrade.
visionOS 2.2 will introduce four significant enhancements to the Mac Virtual Display:
- A new Wide display option
- An expanded Ultrawide setting
- Improved screen resolution for enhanced clarity
- Audio playback that originates directly from the Vision Pro rather than the connected Mac
This update may entice early adopters who have stepped away from regular use of Vision Pro.
Additional Exciting Software Updates
Both iOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 are rolling out some compelling new features, but Apple is also refreshing its other platforms with significant updates:
First Betas of iOS 18.3 on the Horizon
Apple generally launches its initial beta version of new software a few days after the previous version’s release. This means we can expect the first iOS 18.3 beta to arrive in mid-December.
Although Mark Gurman has outlined what to anticipate with iOS 18.4 next spring, details about iOS 18.3 remain sparse, making the upcoming beta particularly intriguing, as it may offer unexpected features.
Next Generation CarPlay Introduction
Apple has previously assured users that the first vehicles equipped with next-gen CarPlay would launch before the year 2024 concludes. This commitment, which remains on the company’s CarPlay webpage, continues to generate anticipation for the imminent rollout of the new CarPlay system this December.
New Releases on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has recently been successful, with many ongoing shows set to air new episodes throughout December.
However, in terms of new content, the upcoming month features a somewhat limited lineup. Notably, the streaming debut of Fly Me to the Moon stands out, along with a new nature documentary series and some programming for children. This can be viewed as a breather ahead of the anticipated influx of new seasons for Severance and Mythic Quest in January.
New Additions to Apple Arcade
Apple has just announced its Apple Arcade offerings for the remainder of this year and into early 2025. Eight new titles will debut in December, with notable additions including:
What to Expect: No New Hardware
Following the launch of the first M4 Macs in November, it is highly unlikely that Apple will unveil any new hardware this December. Historically, Apple rarely initiates product launches in December, with exceptions being devices anticipated well in advance that fit into a year-end release schedule. However, no such products are expected this year.
What are you most looking forward to from Apple this December? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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