Apple fans are predicting the release date for the new iOS 18.2 update after spotting a clue shared by a cellphone provider.
The British mobile network, EE, recently announced that customers wouldn’t be able to use their shared number service on MacBooks and iPads starting December 9.
The majority of carrier updates are released alongside Apple software updates, meaning that the phone company may have indirectly revealed when iOS 18.2 will be released to all users.
The information has set social media a blaze with iPhone users rejoicing about the upcoming iOS date.
‘Apple is expected to release iOS 18.2 in December, possibly on Dec. 9,’ a user shared on X.
‘The update could feature expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, which is what a lot of us Apple users are eagerly awaiting,’ they added.
The third iOS 18.2 beta test was released on November 20, which introduced Wi-Fi calling for other devices and new Apple Intelligence features.
However, the company hasn’t confirmed when all of it’s 1.46 billion global customers would receive the update.
Apple fans have guessed that the company will publicly release its iOS 18.2 software update on December 9. This is based on a phone carrier’s message to its customers saying it would remove its Smart number service
Last month, some Apple users had speculated that the iOS 18.2 update would be issued on December 2, but EE’s message appeared to indicate a later release.
‘Recently received a message from about their Smart Number service ending on 9 December,’ one person wrote on X.
‘Now, MacRumors suggests this could hint at the iOS 18.2 release date. Any other users seeing this as a sign? Up until now, my money was on 2nd December.’
EE told its customers: ‘We wanted to let you know that, from 09 December, you’ll no longer be able to use your EE shared number service on MacBooks and iPads.
‘Watch functionality, along with the Apple-provided iCloud number-sharing function, won’t be affected.
‘We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this update.’
Some iPhone users reported that a December 9 release date would make sense because Apple typically issues its updates on a Monday and doesn’t make any new changes to its software during the holiday season.
The iOS 18.2 update will include the Image Playground feature (pictured) that lets users create a cartoon-like image from pictures in their photo library or other prompts
The update will also include a Genmoji feature which uses text prompts for users to create their own custom emojis
The update will introduce new Apple Intelligence features for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models including Genmoji, Image Playground and ChatGPT integration for Siri.
Genmoji will allow customers to use text prompts create their own custom emoji image which will be accessible through the Messages and Notes apps.
Likewise, Image Playground utilizes text descriptions, concepts and pictures from the photo library to create a cartoon illustration on their iPhone.
It will also include Visual Intelligence which lets users identify what’s around them by using the Camera app which will provide information about nearby stores and restaurants.
The update will come with a new writing tool that offers more customization for text message and emails that will automatically generate the tone and format based on the user’s prompts.
Users expressed their excitement about the new features, with one person touting on X: ‘Apple launch iOS 18.2. this is the huge update in iOS history!’
