Today, Apple launched iOS 18.2 beta 2 for developers, featuring several significant updates for iPhone users. Enhancements have been made to Find My, adjustments to the iPhone 16 Camera Control, and additional improvements. Read on for a comprehensive overview of the new features.
Details on iOS 18.2 beta 2
This beta version, designated as build number 22C5125e, is currently available to developer beta testers. At this time, there is no public beta release, and an official timeline for its availability has not been provided. Apple might roll out the initial public beta for iOS 18.2 later this week, but we must await confirmation.
iOS 18.2 beta 2 can be installed on all iPhones that support iOS 18. However, Apple Intelligence features remain exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.
New Features in iOS 18.2 beta 2
Apple Intelligence: ChatGPT Plus Accessibility in Settings
With the introduction of iOS 18.2 beta 1, ChatGPT integration was added to Siri, allowing users to log in to their ChatGPT account from Settings for Plus features. The new iOS 18.2 beta 2 release allows users to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus directly from the Settings app.
The ChatGPT section within Settings now provides information on your usage and your remaining limits.
Apple Intelligence: ‘Create Image’ Feature in Notes
In the Notes app, users can now find a new “Create Image” option in the copy/paste menu when highlighting text. This feature utilizes Image Playground to generate an image based on selected text.
Upgrades to Find My
The latest iOS 18.2 beta 2 update introduces a significant enhancement to the Find My application. Users can now share the location of a lost item, enabling others to assist in recovering it. The sharing process involves creating a link that can be sent to another individual.
This link is web-accessible, meaning the recipient does not need an Apple device to utilize it.
According to Apple, “Get assistance locating your lost item by sharing its location with a trusted person or an airline.” The person accessing the link will be able to monitor the item’s whereabouts for a limited duration.
Badges in the Mail App
A new setting in the Mail app allows users to display notification badges solely for unread messages categorized as “Primary.”
This enhancement links with the revamped design of the Mail app in iOS 18.2, which organizes emails into categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
Updated Icons in the Settings App
The icons in the Settings app have been updated to match the tint of your Home Screen, featuring a darker design and background.
Camera Control Enhancements
For users of the iPhone 16, iOS 18.2 beta 2 introduces two significant enhancements to Camera Control. Firstly, it now allows for locking both exposure and focus via Camera Control, a feature previously announced during the iPhone 16 event last month.
This feature is disabled by default but can be enabled in the Settings app under the “Camera Control” section. To use it, users simply press lightly on the Camera Control to lock focus and exposure until the shutter button is fully pressed or the finger is lifted.
Secondly, a new option to adjust the double-click speed of the Camera Control has been introduced. Users can find this setting under Settings > Accessibility > Camera Control, with choices including Default, Slow, and Slower.
Additional Changes in iOS 18.2 beta 2
- The ability to use iPhone Mirroring while utilizing your iPhone as a hotspot for your Mac has been enabled in iOS 18.2 beta 2.
- New Shortcuts actions for the Fitness app have been added (as reported on Reddit).
- For users in Utah, a new setting for managing web content restrictions has been implemented: “Utah mandates a web content restriction for individuals aged 17 and under. This restriction limits access to adult websites.”
