Following the release of iOS 18.1, Apple is now testing the third beta version of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 with developers. The third developer beta of iOS 18.3 has been released ahead of the expected public release in December. This update focuses on bug fixes and new features, as well as expanded functionality with Apple Intelligence to enhance the user experience in apps like Photos and TV.

According to a report by MacRumors, the most significant updates in this beta include improvements to the Photos app’s video player, a customizable navigation bar in the TV app on iPadOS, and expanded controls on the camera control button, adding functionality for new iPhone models. Let’s take a look at everything new Apple is testing with the iOS 18.2 beta.

iOS 18.2 Features

Updates to the Photos app: The Photos app received a major redesign with iOS 18, but not all users were happy with the initial changes. In response to this user feedback, the third beta of iOS 18.2 is bringing a new upgrade to the Photos app, which will reportedly expand the video player and reduce the thick borders that previously surrounded video.

New camera control settings

The latest beta of iOS 18.2 introduces an advanced camera control setting for iPhone 16 users. Located under Display and Brightness settings, users will find a “Require screen on” toggle which, when activated, will limit the use of the button to only when the iPhone screen is on. Users can also disable this feature, allowing the button to work even when the screen is off.

Redesigned CarPlay icon

With iOS 18.2 beta 3, Apple has also updated the Climate and Media app icons for CarPlay. The resigned look will also be seen in future CarPlay-supported vehicles, which are expected to launch by the end of 2024.

Other iOS 18.2 updates

The iOS 18.2 update also brings changes to the AirDrop icon, which now appears darker when dark mode is enabled, addressing previous inconsistencies. Additionally, the update also fixes issues with Precision Finding on AirTags and the “Play Sound” functionality for AirPods and compatible third-party accessories within Apple’s Find My network.

For Apple Intelligence features

The latest beta also introduces new AI-powered tools like Genmoji, a custom emoji generator, and Image Playground, which enables users to create AI-generated images from gestures. Additionally, Apple is also integrating ChatGPIT into Siri which will now allow users to get more comprehensive answers and create content without the need for an external account.

iOS 18.2 release date and compatibility

The third developer beta of iOS 18.2 is compatible with iPhone XS and later. However, advanced Apple Intelligence features, such as Visual Intelligence and Siri’s ChatGPT integration, are exclusive to the latest hardware—specifically, the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and select M-series iPads and Macs. A public beta is expected to arrive soon, which will give a wider audience the chance to preview these updates ahead of the official December release.

Along with iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, Apple has also released new betas for macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod Software 18.2. This full suite of updates is expected to officially launch in December, which will deliver a robust range of new features to Apple’s devices.