iOS 18.2 beta release: When to expect the next update

Apple is preparing to launch iOS 18.1 in a matter of days. But it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next update. Here’s when to expect the first iOS 18.2 beta to release.

Update 10/23/24: iOS 18.2’s first beta has been released today on Wednesday, October 23 exclusively for developers. A public beta is expected at a later date.

iOS 18.1’s launch set for next week

Yesterday, Apple released the RC (release candidate) version of iOS 18.1. It’s the final expected beta ahead of the wide iOS 18.1 launch. The company also confirmed that iOS 18.1 will be releasing publicly to all users next week.

This is in line with the pattern of previous years, when Apple shipped its big .1 updates in late October.

According to Mark Gurman, the release is set for Monday, October 28. Even if that doesn’t pan out, though, we know that it won’t be more than a day or two later.

And that gives us a great idea of when to expect the first iOS 18.2 beta.

iOS 18.2 beta release date

Apple follows a standard pattern with the vast majority of its big software releases.

It ships an update to the public, then very shortly afterward releases the next software version to beta testers.

Here are examples from the past few years:

Expect Apple to follow this same pattern again.

That means iOS 18.2 beta 1 should arrive within a few days of 18.1’s public release.

As a result, Tuesday, October 29 is the earliest to expect iOS 18.2’s beta. But it could lag behind a day or two later.

One possible wrinkle is that Apple is expected to launch its new M4 Macs next week, which could (though may not) lead the company to push iOS 18.2’s beta back a little. It could arrive as late as Monday, November 4.

Apple will ship the first beta to developers only, then follow up with a public beta debut not long after.

New features coming in iOS 18.2

The highlight of iOS 18.1 will be the first wave of Apple Intelligence features. But that’s just the start of Apple’s AI efforts.

iOS 18.2 is expected to include some of the most highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features.

Here’s what we’re looking forward to:

• Genmoji for creating your own emoji
• the Image Playground app and feature
• ChatGPT integration with Siri and writing tools
• Personal context awareness for Siri
• Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 16 line

Apple Mail will also get big upgrades in iOS 18.2, including automatic inbox categorization.

Will you join the iOS 18.2 beta? What new features are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments.

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• ESR 3-in-1 MagSafe portable charger
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