iOS 18.2 release date leak: Here’s when Genmoji, Image Playground could get a stable public release

A new leak from an unexpected source suggests Apple might be releasing iOS 18.2 on Dec. 9.

Apple Intelligence is the tentpole of the latest iPhone software update. But Apple has been slow to release some of the flagship AI-powered features that come with iOS 18 like ChatGPT integration and the new and improved Siri. So far, iOS 18.1 has brought us some Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, audio transcriptions in Notes, and the Clean Up tool in Photos. But the splashier features, like Genmoji, Image Playground, and ChatGPT integration with Siri are expected with the next update, iOS 18.2.

Some Apple Intelligence features are available for early testing

We have a preview of iOS 18.2 through the developer beta, which is currently live. But now we might have the exact date of the public release.

This report comes from MacRumors, which connected the dots based on a notice from British mobile carrier EE. The carrier told customers that its "shared number service on MacBooks and iPads" would be discontinued on Dec. 9, meaning Wi-Fi calling from Macs and iPhones won't be supported.

MacRumors dug into the iOS 18.2 developer beta and found specific carrier settings for EE, which removes the "Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices" toggle under the WiFi Calling section.

Since the iOS 18.2 developer beta mentioned EE carrier settings, and EE mentioned those settings in conjunction with Dec. 9, it's reasonable to infer that the public release of iOS 18.2 might be that date. Very good sleuthing indeed.

Unfortunately, this predicted release date clashes with another from the reliable Mark Gurman at Bloomberg.

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Gurman's sources say the iOS 18.2 public release will be a week earlier, the week of Dec. 2. Either way, we won't have to wait long to find out.