iOS 18.2: New features coming to your iPhone (other than AI)

iOS 18.2 is currently in beta testing with the next round of Apple Intelligence features, such as Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and Genmoji.

While those Apple Intelligence features are garnering most of the attention, there are other notable features coming to the iPhone next month. Head below for a roundup of all the non-AI features coming to your iPhone as part of iOS 18.2.

Which iPhones get iOS 18.2?

iOS 18.2 is available to all iPhones capable of running iOS 18. Apple Intelligence features, of course, are still limited to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models. 

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS and XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 and 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 and 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd gen)
• iPhone SE (3rd gen)

New features in iOS 18.2 (other than AI)

iPhone 16 Camera Control upgrades

There are three changes for the Camera Control on the iPhone 16 coming with iOS 18.2:

• Two-stage shutter: Automatically lock the focus and exposure on a subject with a light press. A full press will then take the actual image.
• Double-click speed: Adjust the speed of the Camera Control double-click in Settings > Accessibility > Camera Control. You can choose from Default, Slow, and Slower.
• Require Screen On: A single press of the Camera Control will automatically open the Camera app regardless of whether or not your iPhone 16’s screen is on, adjustable in the Settings app.

Mail app redesign

iOS 18.2 brings big changes to the Mail app, including a new on-device categorization system that sorts your emails into four different categories:

• Primary: Personal and time-sensitive emails
• Transactions: Confirmations and receipts
• Updates: News and social media notifications
• Promotions: Marketing emails and coupons

There are other changes in the Mail app in iOS 18.2. The update brings a new “digest view” that shows all emails from a specific business. You can also opt to show notification badges only for unread messages in the “Primary” category.

Find My upgrades

In the Find My app, you can now share the location of a misplaced AirTag by generating a link, enabling someone else to help you locate it.

That link can be shared with others to help you find the lost item. Using the link, people can access a website displaying the item’s location on an interactive map. The website automatically updates with new locations and includes timestamps for the most recent updates.

Apple has also announced it is teaming up with more than 15 airlines to implement systems to accept location links to help locate lost luggage.

Volume Limit setting

In iOS 18.2, the Settings app introduces a new “Volume Limit” control for the iPhone’s built-in speaker. This feature allows you to set a maximum volume limit for playing audio content like songs, movies, and other media. To access this option, navigate to the Settings app and go to “Sounds and Haptics.”

Volume slider returns to the Lock Screen

iOS 18.2 lets you permanently add the volume slider back to your iPhone’s Lock Screen. This comes after iOS 16 removed the volume slider from the Lock Screen except while using AirPlay.

Here’s how to find this new setting:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap “Accessibility”
3. Choose “Audio and Visual”
4. Toggle on or off the “Always Show Volume Control” option

New Voice Memos features

For iPhone 16 Pro users, iOS 18.2 introduces a more powerful Voice Memos experience. This feature enables you to layer multiple tracks on top of each other, allowing for greater flexibility in recording and editing. Additionally, you have the option to separate these layers after they’ve been recorded.

Photos app change

In iOS 18.2, tapping on a video within the Photos app no longer results in zooming in or out. Instead, both the video scrubber and the gallery view at the bottom remain visible.

And more

• Apple says that iOS 18.2 includes the previously-announced changes to the browser choice screen for iPhone users in the EU. The update also makes the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari apps deletable.
• iOS 18.2 lets users set default apps for Messaging and Calling worldwide. This is managed through a new “Defaults” menu in the Settings app.
• iOS 18.2 adds a new “Type to Siri” widget for Control Center.
• In Settings > Apps > Safari there is a new option to import or export browsing history and website data.
• In the Podcasts app, you can now mark specific categories as favorites.
• You can now use iPhone Mirroring while using your iPhone as a hotspot for your Mac.
• There are new Shortcuts actions for the Fitness app.

iOS 18.2 release date

Apple has confirmed that iOS 18.2 will be released to everyone in December. Here is a timeline of when Apple has released point-two updates for major iOS versions in previous years:

• iOS 17.2: December 11, 2023
• iOS 16.2: December 13, 2022
• iOS 15.2: December 13, 2021

Wrap up

It’s important to remember that iOS 18.2 is currently in beta testing. Some of these features could change before the update is actually released to everyone next month.

What are your favorite iOS 18.2 features? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite iPhone 16 accessories:

• Anker Power Bank with built-in USB-C Cable
• Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe
• Carlinkit Wireless CarPlay Adapter
• Anker MagSafe Power Bank