The beta version of iOS 18.2 is in progress, unveiling the latest Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground, integration with ChatGPT, and Genmoji.
Although these new intelligence features are drawing significant interest, there are plenty of other exciting updates for iPhone users coming next month. Keep reading for a comprehensive overview of the new non-AI enhancements included in iOS 18.2.
New Features in iOS 18.2 (Aside from AI)
Enhancements to iPhone 16 Camera Control
iOS 18.2 introduces three notable updates to the Camera Control feature on the iPhone 16:
- Two-stage shutter: Lock focus and exposure with a light press, and a full press captures the image.
- Adjustable double-click speed: Modify the speed of Camera Control double-click in Settings > Accessibility > Camera Control with options for Default, Slow, and Slower.
- Screen On Requirement: A single press will launch the Camera app, regardless of the screen status, which can be adjusted in the Settings app.
Revamped Mail App
The Mail app undergoes significant changes with iOS 18.2, featuring a new on-device classification system that organizes your emails into four categories:
- Primary: Urgent and personal messages
- Transactions: Receipts and confirmations
- Updates: Alerts from news and social networks
- Promotions: Marketing emails and special offers
Additional improvements include a “digest view” for emails from individual businesses and the option to show notification badges only for unread messages in the “Primary” category.
Find My App Enhancements
The Find My app now enables users to share the location of a misplaced AirTag by creating a link, facilitating assistance from others in locating it.
This link can be distributed to others for help in tracking down the lost item. Recipients can access a website displaying the item’s location on an interactive map, which updates automatically with real-time locations and timestamps.
Moreover, Apple is partnering with over 15 airlines to implement tracking systems for lost luggage using these location links.
New Volume Limit Setting
iOS 18.2 introduces a “Volume Limit” control in the Settings app for the iPhone’s internal speaker. This feature allows users to set a maximum volume level for playing audio content, such as songs and videos. To access this setting, go to the Settings app and navigate to “Sounds and Haptics.”
Restored Volume Slider on Lock Screen
iOS 18.2 allows users to permanently reintegrate the volume slider on the Lock Screen of their iPhone. This feature is a return from iOS 16, which previously removed the volume slider from the Lock Screen unless AirPlay was in use.
To locate this new setting:
- Open Settings
- Select “Accessibility”
- Tap “Audio and Visual”
- Enable or disable “Always Show Volume Control” option
Voice Memos Feature Enhancements
For users of the iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18.2 enhances the Voice Memos experience, allowing for multiple tracks to be layered over one another, increasing flexibility in recording and editing. Users can also separate recorded layers as needed.
Changes to the Photos App
With iOS 18.2, tapping a video in the Photos app no longer zooms in or out; instead, it maintains visibility of both the video scrubber and the gallery view below.
And More…
- iOS 18.2 incorporates previously announced updates to the browser choice screen for EU iPhone users. Additionally, apps including the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari are now deletable.
- Users can now set default apps for Messaging and Calling globally through a new “Defaults” menu in the Settings app.
- A new “Type to Siri” widget has been added to Control Center.
- New options to import and export browsing history and website data appear in Settings > Apps > Safari.
- The Podcasts app now allows specific categories to be marked as favorites.
- iPhone Mirroring can be utilized while your iPhone serves as a hotspot for your Mac.
- New Shortcuts actions have been introduced for the Fitness app.
Release Date for iOS 18.2
Apple has announced that iOS 18.2 is set to be released to all users in December. Below is a timeline of past point-two updates for major iOS versions:
- iOS 17.2: December 11, 2023
- iOS 16.2: December 13, 2022
- iOS 15.2: December 13, 2021
Conclusion
Remember, iOS 18.2 is currently in beta, and some features may undergo changes before the official rollout next month.
What are the new iOS 18.2 features that excite you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
