What's in Apple's new iPhone update?

Apple has released a new iPhone update with iOS 18.2. The focus is on the in-house AI Apple Intelligence. However, the update also delivers some new features for users in the EU.

iOS 18.2 includes some innovations in Apple's in-house AI model Apple Intelligence. However, this only applies to users outside the EU and China. The US company has integrated ChatGPT into its voice assistant Siri. The Image Playground app allows users to create comic-style images using photos from their media library.

The “Genmoji” function is intended to make it possible to create individual emojis using text commands. However, for users within the EU, these features will not be available on iPhone and iPad until April 2025 at the earliest. Apple Intelligence can already be used on the Mac – even in Europe. However, according to Apple, users can only activate the AI ​​if they switch their operating system from German to English.

iOS 18.2: This is in the new iPhone update

With iOS 18.2, the camera button on all iPhone 16 models will now support either focus or exposure lock when pressed lightly. The location of lost AirTags and other tractors can be temporarily shared via a link using the “Find My” location service.

This should help you find items again. For example, Lufhansa accepts links to search for lost luggage. Also new: Apple Mail will automatically sort emails on the iPhone into categories in the future. For now, however, this only works with devices on which English is set as the operating system language.

New functions for users within the EU

iOS 18.2 implements further requirements of the Digital Markets Act. This also leads to new functions. Apple's in-house browser Safari will have an import and export function, which should make it easier for users to change browsers. Active downloads that are started via the Apple browser will in future appear in the “Dynamic Island” – i.e. at the top of the iPhone’s screen.

Standard apps can be set and managed in the settings with iOS 18.2. Almost all of Apple's Tor installed apps can now be deleted. The only two exceptions: “Settings” and “Phone”. The new iPhone update also closes some security gaps.

In the future, new photos should appear more quickly in the “All Photos” view. The company claims to have fixed a problem with night shots on the iPhone 16 Pro (Max).

Install iOS 18.2

iOS 18.2 has been available for free download since December 11, 2024. Apple traditionally recommends prompt installation. The update is available for all models starting with the iPhone XS and the second generation iPhone SE. The version can be changed via the device settings under “Generally” and “Software update“ can be downloaded.

With iPadOS 18.2, Apple also presented a new update for the iPad. It is available on all devices starting with the iPad Pro (M4), the fifth generation iPad Pro (12.9-inch), the third generation iPad Pro (11-inch), the tenth generation iPad, the iPad Air (M2), the third generation iPad Air and the fourth generation iPad mini.

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