Release record
Release notes
Editorial synthesis with inline references and a source ledger when citations are available.
iOS 18.2 expanded Apple Intelligence with Image Playground, Genmoji, Image Wand, and optional ChatGPT access through Siri and Writing Tools. On the iPhone 16 family, Visual Intelligence and a two-stage Camera Control shutter added camera-centered recognition and capture workflows.[1]
Source ledger
Sources are linked to the claims they support. Publication and access dates are shown when available.
Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 18.2 — Apple Intelligence and Camera Control
Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 18.2 — Mail, Safari, Photos, Voice Memos, and Find My
Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 security content
Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 18.2
Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · Released December 11, 2024
Apple Developer · 2026-07-29
Documented & observed
Source-linked features, fixes, known issues, removals, and community-observed behavior recorded across this version’s appearances and verified builds.
Release changes
Features, fixes, removals, and regressions first observed in this release record.
feature · introduced
Visual Intelligence could identify or act on information viewed through Camera Control, and a light press could lock focus and exposure before capture on supported iPhone 16 models.
Recorded at Public
feature · introduced
Supported devices could use ChatGPT through Siri or Writing Tools, including composition from a prompt, without requiring a ChatGPT account; signed-in use followed the account’s data terms.
Recorded at Public
feature · introduced
Image Playground generated animation or illustration-style images, while Genmoji created custom emoji from descriptions and could use people from the photo library.
Recorded at Public
feature · introduced
Mail categorization organized messages for prioritization, while digest view combined messages from an individual sender into a single browsable bundle.
Recorded at Public
enhancement · changed
Users could import or export browsing data, Safari preferred HTTPS where possible, and file downloads could expose progress through a Live Activity.
Recorded at Public
feature · introduced
Share Item Location generated a temporary, controlled way to share an AirTag or Find My network accessory location with trusted organizations such as participating airlines.
Recorded at Public
Milestones
Every recorded channel appearance in chronological order. Open an appearance for any available build, scope, notes, and sources.
Developer beta
Developer beta
Developer beta
Developer beta
Release candidate
Release candidate
Public release
The public iOS 18.2 release expanded Apple Intelligence into image generation and optional ChatGPT access while adding Camera Control, Mail, Safari, Find My, and media improvements.
Historical context
Pace, intervals, and duration compared with earlier releases on the same platform.
Historical avg for .2 releases
45 days, 5.7 milestones
Based on 13 previous iOS .2 releases
Cycle vs. platform average
49d (avg: 58d)
9 days shorter than the iOS average
Duration ranking
#43 of 92
Middle of the pack iOS beta cycles
Longest gap in this cycle
15 days
Between Beta 4 and RC