Apple December Releases: iOS 18.2, VisionOS Updates, and New Software Features

As the year draws to a close, December is shaping up to be an exciting month for Apple fans, with a range of software updates and new service offerings expected to roll out. Here’s a look at what’s coming soon, and what to expect from Apple’s December releases.

iOS 18.2: Major New Features for iPhone Users

Set to arrive around mid-December, likely the week of December 9, iOS 18.2 promises to be a significant update for iPhone users. Whether or not your device supports Apple Intelligence, the update will bring several groundbreaking features. Here are some of the highlights:

• Genmoji: Create custom emojis to use across any app.
• ChatGPT Integration in Siri: Siri will tap into the power of ChatGPT, allowing users to ask questions and interact directly with OpenAI’s chatbot.
• Image Playground: This feature allows users to generate original AI-driven images in various styles such as animation, illustration, and sketches.
• Visual Intelligence: Leveraging the iPhone 16’s Camera Control, this feature helps users gain relevant information from their physical surroundings.
• Compose with ChatGPT: OpenAI’s assistant will now be able to help generate text from scratch within any app.
• Custom Rewrites: Apple’s new writing tools enable users to request custom rewrites, simply by describing the changes they want.

Even for users in regions where Apple Intelligence is not supported or on devices that don’t support it, there are still plenty of notable improvements coming with iOS 18.2, including general system optimizations and enhanced app features.

visionOS 2.2 Brings Exciting Upgrades to Mac Virtual Display

visionOS 2.2, the latest update for Apple’s Vision Pro platform, will bring significant upgrades to the much-loved Mac Virtual Display feature. Key improvements include:

• Wide and Ultrawide Display Settings: Two new display settings allow users to select between wide and ultra-wide configurations for enhanced flexibility.
• Higher Resolution: Expect improved screen clarity with a higher resolution, providing more detailed visuals.
• Direct Audio Playback: Audio will now play directly from the Vision Pro itself, rather than from the paired Mac.

For users who have drifted away from regular Vision Pro usage, this update may be the one to rekindle their interest, offering a much-improved and immersive experience.

Other Software Updates on the Horizon

While iOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 take center stage, other Apple platforms are also getting valuable updates this month.

• First iOS 18.3 Beta: Apple is expected to release the first beta of iOS 18.3 in mid-December, following the usual pattern of releasing new software betas shortly after the stable version is launched.
• Next-Generation CarPlay: Apple has long promised that the first vehicles featuring next-gen CarPlay would arrive before the end of 2024. As the year wraps up, it looks like the long-awaited debut is finally happening in December, fulfilling the company’s commitment to bring this next-generation feature to the market.
• Apple TV+: Apple TV+ continues its strong run with new episodes of popular series, but December will see fewer new titles compared to previous months. The most notable release is Fly Me to the Moon, along with a nature documentary series and new children’s programming. The quiet month will be followed by a busier January with new seasons of Severance and Mythic Quest.
• Apple Arcade: December will see 8 new games debuting on Apple Arcade, offering fresh content for subscribers looking to enjoy a range of gaming experiences.

What’s Not Coming: New Hardware

Apple’s hardware lineup seems largely set for the year, following the release of the first M4 Macs in November. December rarely sees new hardware launches, and 2024 will be no exception, with no new devices expected. Any hardware announcements made late in the year are typically those that were previously disclosed and are now reaching the market just in time for the end of the year.

As we close out 2024, all eyes will be on these software and service updates, which are set to bring fresh features and functionality to Apple’s ecosystem. What are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments.