Apple has announced that iOS 18.2 will be released on Wednesday (December 11) for iPhones after several weeks of beta testing.
The software update finally brings a local version of Apple Intelligence to the UK, including AI features that can rewrite text, generate emojis and offload more demanding tasks to ChatGPT.
There’s no need to stick with the US version, which launched with iOS 18.1 in October. If you’ve held out for the UK release, the wait has ended — you can finally activate the AI tools and see what all the fuss is about.
Here’s what you need to know about iOS 18.2, including its biggest features.
What is the release time for iOS 18.2?
Although Apple’s announcement states that iOS 18.2 is out now, it doesn’t appear to be available at the time of writing.
This leads us to believe it will drop at the usual time for iPhone software updates: 6pm in the UK (10am PT / 1pm ET).
The update will come with iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and watchOS 11.2.
How to install iOS 18.2
You may need to check your iPhone for the update to receive the new features as soon as possible.
Head to the Settings area, then select General. Tap Software Update and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the iOS 18 update.
What’s new in iOS 18.2?
iOS 18.2 brings several new features, led by new AI-powered tools exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and iPhone 16.
Once again, Apple Intelligence is the star attraction, courtesy of its new AI image-generation perks. With Genmoji and Image Playground, you can create emojis and cartoonish images by typing a short description.
However, they’re unavailable immediately — you must join a waiting list. Once granted access, Genmoji will appear on the iPhone keyboard, while the image generator will live in the new Playground app.
Siri also gets a major upgrade, integrating ChatGPT into its responses. To enable it, Apple will prompt you to download the ChatGPT app and sign in (optional, but necessary if you want to save chat history). And, thanks to iOS 18.1, you can already type commands instead of talking to the digital helper.
iPhone 16 users can now try Apple’s spin on Google Lens. The AI can fetch details including restaurant reviews, opening hours, and contact information
by pointing their camera at objects or locations. Apple calls this Visual Intelligence and it works with the Camera Control button.
The AI writing tools introduced in iOS 18.1 are expanding with two new options: Describe Your Change and Compose. Now, Apple’s AI or ChatGPT can craft original text, beyond simply rewriting draft emails or messages.
Even if AI isn’t your thing, iOS 18.2 includes updates for all users:
Mail:
- A redesigned Mail app, categorising emails for better organisation.
- Digest view groups all messages from a sender into a single bundle for easier browsing.
Photos:
- Frame-by-frame video scrubbing and an option to turn off auto-looping video playback.
- Improved navigation in Collections views, with swipe-right support to return to previous views.
- Recently Viewed and Recently Shared album history can now be cleared.
- The Favorites album now appears in the Utilities collection and Pinned Collections.
Safari:
- New background images to personalise your Safari start page.
- Import and Export options to transfer browsing data between Safari and other apps.
- HTTPS Priority upgrades URLs to HTTPS whenever possible.
- File Download Live Activity shows download progress in the Dynamic Island and on your home screen.