iOS 18.2 beta release: When to expect the next update

Apple is preparing to launch iOS 18.1 in the next few weeks. But it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next update. Here’s when to expect the first iOS 18.2 beta to release.

Mid-to-late October launch set for iOS 18.1

As explained in detail here, the beta cycle for iOS 18.1 will be wrapping up in the coming weeks ahead of the public release.

In previous years, Apple has shipped its big .1 updates in late October—usually on or around October 25.

That may happen again this year. But per Mark Gurman, it’s also possible the company is targeting an even earlier release in mid-October.

Either way, iOS 18.1 appears set for a mid-to-late October launch.

And that gives us a great idea of when to expect the first iOS 18.2 beta.

iOS 18.2 beta release date

Apple follows a standard pattern with the vast majority of its big software releases.

It ships an update to the public, then very shortly afterward ships the next software version to beta testers.

Here are examples from the past few years:

Expect Apple to follow this same pattern again with iOS 18.

That means iOS 18.2 beta 1 should arrive within a few days of 18.1’s public release.

As a result, the week of October 14 is the earliest to expect iOS 18.2’s beta. But the week of October 21 is a safer bet for the release.

Apple will ship the first beta to developers only, then follow up with a public beta debut not long after.

New features coming in iOS 18.2

The highlight of iOS 18.1 will be the first wave of Apple Intelligence features. But that’s just the start of Apple’s AI efforts.

iOS 18.2 is expected to include some of the most highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features.

Here’s what we’re looking forward to:

Apple Mail will also get big upgrades in iOS 18.2, including automatic inbox categorization.

Will you join the iOS 18.2 beta? What new features are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments.