Apple's iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 Updates Bring Powerful New Tools

Apple’s latest software updates — iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 — are now available, offering a range of enhancements that elevate the user experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Released on December 11, 2024, these updates bring Apple Intelligence to new heights with smarter tools that enhance creativity, productivity, and daily tasks. While the new AI features are exciting, there are also other noteworthy improvements available to all compatible devices.

Apple Intelligence Expands

Apple Intelligence has expanded its reach with the latest updates, now supporting a broader range of English dialects including English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa), English (United Kingdom), and English (United States). By 2025, Apple plans to roll out support for additional languages such as Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese, with the first update expected in April.

Visual Intelligence on iPhone 16

For iPhone 16 series models with a Camera Control button, iOS 18.2 introduces Visual Intelligence. This feature allows users to capture an image of various objects, such as a restaurant menu, artwork, or flyer, and receive immediate information about it. If the system can’t find relevant data, users can also use ChatGPT or Google to further assist.

ChatGPT Integration

When Apple Intelligence can’t provide the required answer, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 include an integrated ChatGPT extension. This allows users to compose text, create images, and receive answers directly from Siri, Writing Tools, and Visual Intelligence. Both free and Plus ChatGPT accounts are supported, with the Plus account offering access to more advanced models.

New Image Tools: Image Playground and Genmoji

Apple introduces two powerful creative tools: Image Playground and Genmoji. Image Playground allows users to generate custom drawings and illustrations through Apple’s on-device AI, while Genmoji lets you create fully customizable emojis that can be used across apps like Messages and Notes. These features work seamlessly across iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2.

Enhanced Photos and Camera Controls

iOS 18.2 improves photo and video handling with expanded media size for better viewing and frame-by-frame video scrubbing in the Photos app. iPhone 16 series models also benefit from the new two-stage shutter and click speed adjustments for Camera Control, as well as the option to require the screen to be on to activate the Camera Control button.

Safari, Podcasts, and Mail Updates

In Safari, users can now customize background images, import/export browsing history, and enjoy enhanced security with HTTPS priority and the “Not Secure Connection Warning.” The Podcasts app introduces the ability to favorite categories, ensuring more relevant recommendations. Meanwhile, Mail now intelligently categorizes messages into sections like Primary, Transactions, and Promotions.

New Privacy and Security Features

Apple’s ongoing commitment to privacy and security is reflected in the release of security patches addressing 20 vulnerabilities. Additionally, features like Face ID for trusting devices, improved accessibility options, and more intuitive settings for the Camera Control button on iPhone 16 models further enhance user experience.

Region-Specific Changes

For users in the European Union, iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 introduce specific updates, including the ability to delete core apps such as Safari and Camera, as well as the option for third-party browsers to create web apps with their own custom engines. Additionally, the new Digital Markets Act requires iPadOS 18.2 users to choose a default browser after opening Safari for the first time.

These updates mark a significant step forward in Apple’s integration of advanced AI features, enhanced productivity tools, and increased customization options, ensuring users have access to the most powerful and intuitive technology across their devices.