iPadOS 18

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on iPadOS 18:

Apple goes on a bug hunt with iOS 18.2.1

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iOS 18.2.1
Your iPhone needs iOS 18.2.1. And there’s an iPadOS version, too.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iOS 18.2.1 went out Monday with the intent of removing bugs that snuck into the earlier version of the iPhone operating system. Apple also released an iPadOS equivalent.

Apple recommends both to anyone who installed the previous versions.

How to set up your new iPad the right way

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Set Up iPad
Let's get your new iPad up and running.
Photo: Apple

Congratulations — you got a new iPad! Whether it’s the entry-level iPad that brings the essential features to an affordable price, the iPad Air with the powerful M2, the pocketable iPad mini or the top-of-the-line iPad Pro, you’ll want to set up your new device with the least amount of fuss.

We’re here to help you do just that with a ton of little tips and tweaks that will make sure you’re off and using that new iPad as quickly as possible. From backing up your old iPad (if you had one already) to getting up and running with a brand-new iPad from scratch, we’ve got you covered.

Why you might hold off installing first iOS 18.3 beta

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iOS 18.3 beta
iOS 18.3 beta 1 is here, but consider leaving it alone.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3 and iPadOS 18.3 to developers Monday. However, the unusual timing of the release means all but the most committed — and best-equipped — beta testers should probably wait until beta 2 arrives.

Still, there are plenty of new Apple Intelligence features that might make their debut in these new versions.

iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 bring more AI to iPhone and Mac

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iOS 18.2 release date
The iOS 18.2 release date is also brought the major upgrades to macOS Sequoia and iPadOS 18.2.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 release date is here. They bring in the second wave of Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, the Image Playground, optional ChatGPT integration and more.

watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 also went out, though these don’t include any AI features.

Wait for iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 goes on [Update: It’s here!]

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iOS 18.2
iOS 18.2 is coming, but the release date isn’t Monday as some had hoped.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

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.

UPDATE: Apple just announced that iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 are set to launch on Wednesday, December 11. They are not yet out at the time of this writing, and the most likely time is 10 A.M. Pacific/1 P.M. Eastern.

UPDATE 2: It’s here!

When they 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.

iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 take huge step toward release

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iOS 18.2 release date
The wait for iOS 18.2 and new Apple Intelligence features is almost over.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

With Thursday’s introduction of the release candidates for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2, we’re likely a week away from the debut of the second wave of Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, the Image Playground and more.

Release candidates for watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 also went out.

iOS 18.2 beta 3: All the new features and changes

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iOS 18.2 Beta 3: All the changes and features
iOS 18.2 takes another step towards its public release.
Photo: Cult of Mac

With iOS 18.3 due for release in early December, Apple continues beta testing the OS. The third beta build is now out for developers, bringing some small changes and enhancements.

Below is a roundup of all the new features and changes in iOS 18.2 beta 3.

UPDATE: These became available to all beta testers on Tuesday. Just be aware that this is the only second round of public beta testing and the updates are labeled as such. Nevertheless, public beta 2 is the same as developer beta 3.

iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and more usher in Apple Intelligence

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iOS 18.1 release date: Today!
iOS 18.1 just launched, bringing Apple Intelligence to iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The wait for Apple Intelligence is over. iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1 can all be installed now, and they all include Apple’s AI-powered features.

“Apple Intelligence introduces a new era for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, delivering brand-new experiences and tools that will transform what our users can accomplish,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a press release Monday. “Apple Intelligence builds on years of innovation in AI and machine learning to put Apple’s generative models at the core of our devices, giving our users a personal intelligence system that is easy to use — all while protecting their privacy. Apple Intelligence is generative AI in a way that only Apple can deliver, and we’re incredibly excited about its ability to enrich our users’ lives.”

But that’s not everything coming out of Cupertino today. watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1 and visionOS 2.1 went out, too — alongside upgraded iMacs powered by Apple’s M4 chip.

Beta testing begins for iOS 18.2 with Image Playground, Genmoji, more new AI features

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Genmoji are custom emoji you can create in iOS 18.
iOS 18.2 beta 1 gives developers a chance to test Genmoji and more.
Image: Apple

Apple seeded the initial beta of iOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2 and iPadOS 8.2 to developers on Wednesday, giving them their first opportunity to test the Image Playground app, Genmoji and more. Also on the list is perhaps the most controversial feature of Apple Intelligence: optional ChatGPT access.

Expect testing to end and the full launch before the end of the year.

iPad mini 7 buyers should install this update ASAP

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iPad mini 7 in hand
iPadOS 18.0.1 is out for iPad mini 7 owners to install.
Photo: Apple

When the iPad mini 7 reaches customers on Wednesday morning, they should expect to update to iPadOS 18.0.1 as part of setting up the tablet.

This update removes bugs in the operating system and became available for other iPad models several weeks ago.

Apple Intelligence AI-powered features could launch Oct. 28

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Apple Intelligence at WWDC24
After a big announcement in June, Apple Intelligence is right around the corner.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple’s big step into artificial intelligence is scheduled for this month, and a prediction from a generally reliable source may have just named the release date: October 28. This will reportedly be when new iOS, macOS and iPadOS versions usher in Apple Intelligence.

These AI capabilities were unveiled in June at the company’s developers conference and have been in public beta testing for weeks, so it’s now a waiting game for the full launch.

First iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 patches fix serious bugs

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iOS 18.0.1 removes a headline-making bug
iOS 18.0.1 removes a bug that irritated many iPhone 16 users.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 18.0.1 on Thursday to fix an annoying bug that made the touchscreen unresponsive on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. The new iPadOS 18.0.1 corrects several problems, too, including one that bricked some M4 iPad Pro units when installing the original iPadOS 18 version.

In addition, macOS Sequoia 15.0.1 and visionOS 2.0.1 also arrived Thursday with minor bug fixes.

8 best new features in the Notes app in iOS 18

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Everything new in Notes app in iOS 18
Notes gets some useful usability upgrades in iOS 18.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

In iOS 18, Apple adds several handy new features to the iPhone’s Notes app. These upgrades will help you create better, easier-to-follow notes while significantly speeding up the overall process of creating said notes.

AI-powered summaries should make it easy to review long notes, while Smart Script will help make handwritten notes legible. Below are the top new features coming to the Notes app this year.

Some users really hate iOS 18’s revamped Photos app

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Photo of an angry man to illustrate the backlash to the iOS 18 Photos app redesign.
The Photos app's big redesign in iOS 18 really enraged some people.
Photo: Sander Sammy/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

When Apple pushed out iOS 18, it trumpeted big changes to the Photos app (though it already rolled some back after negative feedback). Now, with the app’s public release, many users’ initial excitement has turned to disappointment and even anger on social media. The iOS 18 Photos app backlash is real — some people really hate it.

And amid that angst — and for that audience — developer LateNiteSoft put out the new Photon Library app designed along the lines of Apple’s old Photos app.

“We’re bringing back tabs, basic photo grids, a list of albums you can simply scroll through, and we even added some quick access to your Favorites!” Noël Rosenthal, a product manager atLateNightSoft, told Cult of Mac.

Don’t install iPadOS 18 on your M4 iPad Pro

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iPadOS 18 bug
A installation bug supposedly bricked some M4 iPad Pro units while upgrading to iPadOS 18.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple temporarily stopped allowing access to the iPadOS 18 upgrade for the M3 iPad Pro. A bug apparently bricked some tablets during the installation process for the new version.

The problem only affects the iPad Pro M4. And if you already made it through the update process, there seems nothing to worry about.

iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 arrive

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iOS 18 release date.
iOS 18 is almost here.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia Monday. After Apple showcased these operating systems in June at WWDC24, it revealed the release date for iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia’s first stable build at the “It’s Glowtime” event.

They are available now for download on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac.

How to get more Apple Intelligence features early — and in the EU

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Get The New Siri Right Now
Get the Apple Intelligence features early.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can get Apple Intelligence right now on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. The first round of features are in iOS 18.1, but if you want even more, you can upgrade to the iOS 18.2 beta. You’ll get access to Visual Intelligence, Image Playground, Genmoji and more. It also adds support for additional dialects of English.

It’s also possible to enable it in the European Union by switching your region — although you’ll lose access to EU-region features, like alternative app marketplaces.

Apple Intelligence is compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and the new iPhone 16 lineup. Unfortunately, older devices (or even the iPhone 15) don’t have enough RAM to support Apple’s Foundation models. Luckily, you can also try it out if you have an iPad or Mac with an M-series or A17 Pro chip.

Here’s how to get it all.

iOS 18 beta 6: All the new features and changes

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iOS 18 beta 6: All the changes
iOS 18 is another beta closer to release.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Since WWDC24, Apple has released five developer beta builds of iOS 18 every two weeks. The company has now switched to a weekly beta release cycle. iOS 18 beta 6 is here, packing some minor changes as Apple focuses on squashing all the bugs.

You can find all the new features and minor enhancements in iOS 18 beta 6 below.

Apple’s new Distraction Control in Safari is not an ad blocker

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Apple's new Distraction Control in Safari is not an ad blocker
While Distraction Control in Safari will be useful, don't call it an ad blocker.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple added Distraction Control to the Safari web browser in the iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia 15 betas released Monday. The new feature allows users to remove elements they find irritating or distracting from web pages.

Some have called Distraction Control an ad blocker. It’s not. Or certainly not a very good one.

Apple Intelligence enters beta testing

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Apple Intelligence in beta
Real-world testing of Apple Intelligence starts with new betas.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple Intelligence took a big step toward release on Monday. The AI-powered features unveiled at WWDC24 entered beta testing so developers can start trying them out in the real world.

They are part of the initial round of betas of iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1, which are expected to launch in October.

When to expect Apple Intelligence to reach iPhone, iPad and Mac [Updated]

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Apple Intelligence at WWDC24
Apple Intelligence is a collection of AI-powered features coming ... soon-ish.
Screenshot: Apple

When iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 launch this fall, do not expect Apple Intelligence to be part of the first releases of the operating system upgrades. The company’s cool new AI capabilities reportedly will arrive about a month later. Monday’s release of the first developer beta of iOS 18.1 — which includes some Apple Intelligence features — seems to confirm that release roadmap.

This means Apple Intelligence likely will arrive in October, around the same time as macOS Sequoia. So Mac users might get Apple AI along with their big upgrade.

iOS 18: All the Safari improvements

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Safari app shortcut on iOS 18 dock
Safari is getting some big improvements in iOS 18.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple is updating Safari this year for a cleaner, faster web browsing experience on iPhones, iPads and Macs. While the enhanced Reader mode and Highlights stand out as key additions to Safari in iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, several other changes will come to Apple’s web browser as well.

Below we’ll look at all the improvements coming to Safari later this year.

Parents will love locking and hiding apps in iOS 18

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Lock apps in iOS and iPadOS
Don't want your child to watch Netflix on your iPhone? Just lock the app.
Screenshot: Apple

It won’t be long before parents can hand their iPhone or iPad to a small child and be sure they don’t go on the web or accidentally make a phone call. The ability to lock apps so that they require Face ID to open is coming in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.

I tested the new feature, and while it isn’t as useful as being able to make separate accounts for different users would be, it’s still a welcome change.