When iOS 18.2 released just over a week ago, it unlocked a lot of long-awaited features like Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, and improvements to writing tools. Now, it seems like another update could be just around the corner: version 18.2.1.
MacRumors found evidence of the update in their analytic logs, a source that has supposedly revealed quite a few iOS versions before release. Given that this is a minor update, it isn’t likely to come with new features or anything groundbreaking. Instead, it will most likely be targeted at bug fixes, although no specific problems have been named. You should expect this update to drop either in late December or early January, but a year-end release is more likely.
iOS 18.3 is also in development, with developers and beta testers putting the system through the motions. Given that it’s due to release in January, an update to the existing version of iOS — especially one likely meant to act as a hotfix instead of a major update — will probably release sooner rather than later.
Since the last update, iPhone 18.2 users have reported a few concerning bugs, including an uncomfortable amount of heat production. The new Apple Intelligence features put a strain on the iPhone’s hardware, so an update like this might include a way to reduce the load on older iPhones that aren’t equipped for it.
Before Apple releases a software update, it’s tested internally on company devices. That way, developers are able to identify any potentially critical errors and correct them before the update goes live. Since 18.2.1 has appeared in analytics, it’s highly likely that it will release soon.
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it’s a…
The iPhone 17 Pro may get a new type of display. Here’s what we know
The iPhone 17 Pro has been the subject of quite a few leaks lately, and keeping up with the information is about to give us whiplash. First, we heard a rumor that suggests Apple might return to aluminum for the frame, and then another that said the first rumor was wrong. Now, there’s more corroborating evidence, suggesting the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will retain their titanium frames — as well as get a new type of display tech.
The two handsets will supposedly come with Low-Dielectric TEE, a type of display technology that is more power efficient and durable, and provides generally better overall performance, according to tipster Jukanlosreve. The leaker also corrects an earlier statement, stating that Low-Dielectric TEE is not the same as LTPO+.
Read more
There’s a new way to use ChatGPT on your iPhone. Here’s how it works
There is a new way to access ChatGPT on Apple’s iPhone and iPad. As reported by MacRumors, the latest version of the ChatGPT app makes it even easier to access the app’s SearchGPT feature.
ChatGPT, a sophisticated AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, utilizes an ever-growing dataset to answer questions, write stories, summarize factual topics, translate languages, and create creative content. It is available on Apple devices through the ChatGPT app, and it is expected to be integrated into Siri in a future version of Apple Intelligence.
Read more
I compared Apple’s and Samsung’s AI photo editing tools. There’s a clear winner
Apple has joined the AI game with Apple Intelligence, finally catching up to its competitors in that department. And with the iOS 18.1 update in October, most people who have a compatible iPhone can finally use those Apple Intelligence tools, including Clean Up.
The Clean Up tool in the Photos app is basically Apple’s version of Google’s Magic Eraser or Samsung’s Object Eraser. Back when I compared Magic Eraser and Object Eraser, Samsung’s tool was the better of the two. So, how does Apple’s Clean Up compare? Let’s find out.
The limitations of object removal tools
Read more