Improvements, bug fixes, and new features are common reasons why we see updates on iOS systems. Interestingly, iOS 18.2 is here and it is a warehouse of amazing features. From improvements in the Messages app to Apple Intelligence tools, and other upgrades, the look and feel is remarkably different. But here is the big question; is it necessary to update to iOS 18.2?
In actual sense, updating your iPhone has the potential to make you feel like you’ve upgraded to a new phone. The experience is always awesome! Unfortunately, there have been news and posts from some people claiming that updating to iOS 18.2 only adds salt to injury. But how true can this be? Read through this article to find the answers you need!
What’s new in iOS 18
iOS 18 comes with lots of new features and enhancements to improve functionality and user experience. Some of the new features in iOS 18 include:
- Customization of the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center
- Improved Apple Intelligence to enhance Siri’s capabilities
- A redesigned Photos app to make it easier to relive special moments
- New wallpapers and new features in Safari, Notes, Journal, and Phone
- Eye tracking allows users to control their iPhone using only their eyes
- New writing tools and language capabilities
- New and improved features in FaceTime
- New ways to express yourself in Messages
- Camera Enhancements and ability to take spatial photos and record spatial videos (for Apple Vision Pro)
- Improved Maps and Navigation
ios18 beta 2 features
1. Changing Default Buttons on the iPhone Lock Screen in iOS 18
In iOS 18, users can customize the buttons on the iPhone lock screen, previously limited to the flashlight and camera. Now, you can replace these buttons or remove them entirely, which helps prevent accidental activations.
2. Setting Up New Tasks for the Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Series
The Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro replaces the traditional mute switch, allowing for configurable control. In iOS 18, the Action button gains new features, enabling users to bypass the Control Center and select specific controls, such as accessing remote functions for Apple TV or using Shazam.
3. Revamping Your Home Screen in iOS 18
In iOS 18, users can customize the iPhone home screen layout, breaking free from the traditional grid arrangement of app icons. Now, icons can be positioned nearly anywhere, allowing for a more personalized look without obscuring wallpaper images.
4. Customizing the Control Center in iOS 18
In iOS 18, the Control Center becomes a fully customizable interface, allowing users to rearrange, resize, and add controls across multiple screens. This update enhances accessibility and personalization, making it easier to access frequently used controls.
5. Locking and Hiding Sensitive Apps in iOS 18
iOS 18 introduces features that allow users to lock and hide apps, enhancing privacy for sensitive data stored on their devices. This is particularly useful when sharing your phone, as it adds a layer of security to prevent unauthorized access. However, some built-in apps, like Notes, and Reminders, can only be locked and not hidden.
6. Turning Off Loop Videos in the iOS 18 Photos App
In iOS 18.2, videos in the Photos app automatically replay unless paused, which can be inconvenient for some users. To prevent this go to settings> photos>scroll to find Loop Videos and turn it off. With this setting disabled, videos will play once and stop at the end.
7. Adjusting Your Calendar View in iOS 18
In order to enhance how users manage their schedules, iOS 18 introduces two new viewing options in the Calendar app which include: pinch with two fingers to zoom and a Multi-Day option showing two consecutive days of events.
8. Improving Dialogue Clarity in the TV App on iOS 18
iOS 18 introduces features in the TV app to enhance the clarity of dialogue in movies and shows. To make dialogue easier to hear, tap the “more” button while watching a video, and expand the “Audio” section in the menu. If your device is in horizontal orientation, tap the “Audio Adjustments” button, select “Enhance Dialogue” and choose either “Enhance” or “Boost”.
iPhone models compatible
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iOS 18.2 is Here! Should You Update or Wait?
Before we decide whether to update or wait, let’s see some opinions shared by users in a table below as well as a pie chart showing the ratio of agreement to disagreement (in percentage).
Opinions on whether to download iOS 18.2 from Reddit and Apple’s official forums:
| IOS 18.2 killed my XR, now I left home with 93% charge, used it to take one photo and post to facebook, browse facebook for 15 minutes with auto dim lighting in darkish atmosphere, spent 8.42 minutes on hold calling somebody, and texted 2 people, got home 5 hours later with only 23% charge left on a XR with a 87% battery health level. Yes, I do believe they should not offer 18 for the XR but believe even stronger it was my own fault for allowing it to update to IOS 18.2, I used to be able to charge my iphone every other day and use it regularly, not anymore. |
| If you already in IOS 18 then of course. But either way I recommend you to update, I updated my old XR to IOS 18 and have no problem with that |
| Just updated and it seems very stable and I think it’s faster than before. Better write predictions, let see how it works with the battery. iPhone 12 128GB. |
| Already had good battery life with 18.1.1. Seems 18.2 improved it even more. Same usage on Bluesky, the % drop is even less and Bluesky tend to eat battery. so I’m happy. My phone feels lighter too for some reason. |
| I have updated to iOS 18.2 There’s no change for our models… But no issues found like lagging or smthing |
| On iPhone 11. Won’t say good but both 18.1.1 and 18.2 have very aggressive battery drain issue upon install. The culprit seem to be background activity with Mail and Podcast. Once its kept plugged in for 2-3 days, the battery drain seems to almost go away and somewhat back to 18.1 level. Which really, all the fuss to get back to square 1. |
| IOS 18.2 works great on both my 15 Pro max and 16 Pro max. |
| 12 mini18.2 seems to have made things a bit smoother. |
So, should you update or wait?
The first thing I’d like to point out is that you just never know with iOS updates. Updates might not affect all devices in the same way. As such people’s shared opinion may differ. Secondly, the condition of your device and available storage matters. If your device is old (already giving you signs), has some issues or your device lacks enough storage space, then updates might not work well on your device. For instance, installing 18.0 was fine for me on one phone but horrible on the other.
To sum up, I believe Bug fixes are part of the reasons for updates. However, we just don’t know yet which ones have been addressed by Apple iOS 18.2. So, if your reason is security, there’s almost no need to install the iOS 18.2 update because Apple has not pointed to any security fixes at all. However, Apple instead says that it recommends it for all users because of the important bug fixes.
People also ask
To get iOS 18.2 on your iPhone, you can:
Go to Settings
Select General
Select Software Update
Select Update Now
Enter your passcode
Agree to the terms and conditions
Wait for the update to download and install
Your phone will restart and boot back up with iOS 18.2
Yes, iOS 18.3 beta 2 is now available and Apple is bringing it to public beta users.
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