Monday isn’t the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 release date, as some had hoped. Instead, Apple sent out another round of pre-release versions for testing, a slightly unusual step.
When they finally debut, these operating systems bring to iPhone, iPad and Mac a new collection of Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, the Image Playground and more, so there’s plenty of anticipation. But it’s possible the wait will stretch until Thursday, December 12.
iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 move slowly toward release date
Apple puts each version of its operating systems through multiple rounds of beta testing. This process began for iOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, etc. back in October. Then Thursday, December 5, brought Release Candidates, which are usually the last step in testing before the launch date.
But then Monday saw a second round of RCs go out. This is rare but not unheard of. It simply means that Apple found a bug in the first RCs important enough to be worth fixing before the full launch.
Mostly, the second round of release candidates means the iOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, etc. release date won‘t be Monday. Some people put their hopes on that day because Apple frequently introduces OS upgrades on Mondays.
But Apple also traditionally waits a week after the release candidate goes out to launch the full version of its operating systems. This gives third-party software developers and other beta testers an opportunity to look over the final version of OSs before they’re introduced to average users.
If Cupertino sticks to that habit, those eager to get their hands on the fresh iOS, macOS, iPadOS versions will have to wait until Thursday, December 12, a week after the first RCs. In the past, a second round of release candidates hasn’t started the clock over again — the debut comes a week after the first RC.
That said, note the use of “traditionally” and “usually.” Apple could put these OS upgrades out at any time. Thursday is simply the most likely date.
And to be clear, the upgrades aren’t late. Apple promised they’d be out this year, giving itself weeks more time. There is only some impatience because (1) new features! and (2) at one point it was hoped they’d launch last week.
What’s coming: Apple Intelligence phase 2
The set of AI-powered tools dubbed Apple Intelligence was the star of Apple’s developer conference in June, but Cupertino said from the start that the features will launch in phases. The launch of iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 8.1 in October brought Writing Tools and the picture Clean Up tool.
iOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2 and iPadOS 8.2 include the Image Playground app and Genmoji, which allow users to create images or personified emojis based on user instructions. Optional integration with ChatGPT is another feature.
Visual Intelligence is also included in iOS 18.2, but only when running on iPhone 16 models. Which brings up an important point: most of the best new features in this upcoming iOS version are part of Apple Intelligence and therefore work only on the iPhone 15 Pro models and the iPhone 16 series.
The new AI features are more widespread in Mac and iPad as they’re available for any device running an M-series processor. Still, that eliminates tablets with A-series chips, including entry-level iPads.