iOS 18.2 beta 2: all the new features

The second beta version of iOS 18.2 brings several interesting changes as it prepares and evolves for its official release in early December. With new features in the Find app, the evolution of ChatGPT integration, and various system adjustments, this beta brings all the minor changes we didn’t see coming in the first one. Now that the image tools have already made their appearance, let’s review all the new features in this second update.

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Changes in Search, improvements in ChatGPT, Notes, changes in Camera Control, and much more

Beta 2 of iOS 18.2 not only refines or improves the new features we’ve already seen, but also adds several new ones. Changes that are spread across almost all parts of the system. Here is the list:

• Share object location: Now we can share the location of a lost object with anyone. By generating a link, this person will be able to see the location of our object and help us recover it, even on non-Apple devices. The link expires one week later or when the object is recovered.
• Show contact information: We can allow any device to display our contact information (phone number and email) to facilitate the recovery of lost objects.
• ChatGPT limits: In this version, a section has been added in the settings so we can check the free usage limits of ChatGPT, and the option to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus appears for those who want more extensive access.

• Mail App Notifications: Now we can decide whether we want to see the full count of unread messages or just those in the Primary section.
• Image Creation in Notes: In the Notes app, when selecting text, we can now choose the “Create Image” option, which generates an image based on the context of the selected text.
• AE/AF Lock: On iPhone 16, we can now lock exposure and autofocus with a slight press on the camera control. This option must be activated in the settings.
• Double-Click Speed on Camera Controls: We can now adjust the double-click speed on camera controls, choosing between “Default,” “Slow,” and “Slower” in the accessibility settings.

• Improvements in battery life and temperature: Apple has adjusted the system to optimize battery performance and reduce device temperature, especially during the use of demanding apps.
• New icons in the Settings app: In dark mode, the icons in the Settings app now have a darker appearance that allows for better screen contrast.
• iPhone Mirroring with active Hotspot: We can now use the iPhone screen mirroring feature while the phone shares its internet connection with a Mac.
• New actions in Shortcuts for the Fitness app: Specific actions have been added for the Fitness app in Shortcuts, such as opening Fitness settings, session history, or the awards section.
• Changes in the default browser in the European Union: Users in the European Union will now have to select a default browser when opening Safari on iPadOS 18.2, similar to what has already been implemented in iOS 18.

The beta 2 of iOS 18.2 brings a good number of new features. The truth is that we could have expected less, given the focus on the arrival of the second part of Apple Intelligence, but it is clear that Apple has decided to go beyond what was announced during the WWDC 2024. We are on the verge of a very interesting update.