Apple is getting ready to release iOS 18.1 in the next few weeks, but it’s never too early to think about the next update. Here’s when you can expect the iOS 18.2 beta to be available.
iOS 18.1 is set for a mid-to-late October release
The beta testing phase will be ending soon before the public launch.
In past years, Apple has released its major .1 updates around late October, typically around October 25. This could happen again this year, but according to Mark Gurman, Apple might aim for an even earlier release in mid-October. Either way, iOS 18.1 is expected to launch between mid-to-late October, which gives us a good idea of when the first iOS 18.2 beta might arrive.
iOS 18.2 beta release date
Apple usually follows a consistent pattern with most of its major software releases. First, it releases an update to the public, and shortly after, it sends the next software version to beta testers.
Here are some examples from the past few years:
| iOS | iOS .1 Launch | iOS .2 Beta |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 17 | October 25 | October 26 |
| iOS 16 | October 24 | October 27 |
| iOS 15 | October 25 | October 27 |
You can expect Apple to stick to this same pattern with iOS 18. This means that the first beta of iOS 18.2 should be available within a few days after the public release of iOS 18.1. As a result, you can anticipate the earliest beta for iOS 18.2 during the week of October 14, but the week of October 21 is a more reliable timeframe for its release. Apple will first release the initial beta to developers, followed by a public beta soon after.
New features coming in iOS 18.2
The main highlight of iOS 18.1 will be the introduction of the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, but this is just the beginning of Apple’s AI efforts.
iOS 18.2 is expected to bring some of the most anticipated Apple Intelligence features, including:
- Genmoji for creating your emojis
- Image Playground app and feature
- ChatGPT integration with Siri and writing tools
- Personal Context Awareness for Siri
- Major upgrades to Apple Mail, such as automatic inbox categorization
Will you be joining the iOS 18.2 beta? What new features are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!