The year is coming to an end, but Apple is still coming out with new releases in December. Read here what’s coming soon and what’s not.
You can expect this from Apple in December
Apple will probably mainly introduce new software and new services in December. The chance of new hardware is much less likely. We have listed everything for you.
iOS 18.2
iOS 18.2 is expected around mid-December, probably the week of December 9. And it is a huge software update for iPhone users, even if, like us in the Netherlands, you cannot yet use Apple Intelligence. Here are all the AI features Apple is adding in iOS 18.2:
- Genmoji: Create your own custom emoji that you can use in any app.
- ChatGPT in Siri: Siri can use the knowledge of ChatGPT and you can also ask ChatGPT questions directly.
- Image Playground: Create original AI images in different styles.
- Visual Intelligence: Use your iPhone 16’s camera control to get relevant information about your surroundings.
- Create with ChatGPT: OpenAI’s assistant can compose original texts from any app.
- Custom rewrites: Apple’s writing tools allow you to automatically rewrite text in a different style.
In addition, Apple is adding features to iOS 18.2 that everyone can use immediately. These are these functions:
- The app Mail gets the biggest update ever.
- There will be new features and settings for the camera controller.
- Updates to the feature ‘Find my‘ to share the location of a lost item with others or even with airlines.
- Extensive standard app categories and a new hub for institutions.
- Daily Sudokupuzzles in Apple News for News+ subscribers.
- And a number of small updates and adjustments.
visionOS 2.2
This update from Apple in December is not of much use to us in the Netherlands, but we mention it anyway for the sake of completeness. One of the most loved Vision Pro features, Mac VirtualDisplayis getting the upgrade that many people have been waiting for:
- A new one wide anglesetting.
- An even bigger one ultra wide anglesetting.
- A higher screen resolution for greater visual clarity.
- Audio playback which comes directly from the Vision Pro and not from the paired Mac.
Even more software updates
iOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 both get cool new features, but there will also be solid updates for other Apple platforms in December:
- iPadOS 18.2 gets the big one iOS features plus the iPad exclusive Image WallNotes feature.
- macOS Sequoia 15.2 offers most of the new Apple Intelligence features from iOS 18.2, plus AirPlayupgrades, a weather widget for the menu bar and more.
- tvOS 18.2 adds new settings for the aspect ratio and screen savers.
- watchOS 11.2 is also coming, but it is not yet known what new features it will contain.
The first iOS 18.3 beta
Apple typically releases the first beta version of new software within a few days of the launch of its predecessor, meaning the first iOS 18.3 beta should arrive in mid-December.
Mark Gurman has reported on what iOS 18.4 will bring next spring, but we’re still largely in the dark about what to expect from iOS 18.3. In principle, that makes the beta extra exciting, because it may have more surprises than usual.
The next generation of CarPlay
Apple long ago promised that the first cars with the next generation of CarPlay would be there before the end of 2024. That promise is still on the CarPlay website. Apple also gave more and more hints about the upcoming appearance of the new CarPlay, which will probably take place in December.
New releases on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has been very popular lately and many of the current hits will continue to air new episodes throughout December. In addition to these weekly releases, some new material will also be released in December. The biggest newcomer is Fly Me to the Moon. Other highlights include a new nature documentary series and some children’s programs. It’s a bit of the calm before the storm of January, in which new seasons of… Severance and Mythic Quest to appear.
New releases for Apple Arcade
Apple recently announced its Apple Arcade program for December and early 2025. They will be released in December eight new titles and these are the highlights:
- FINAL FANTASY IV (3D REMAKE)+
- Teal Tom Blast Park
- Little Cities: Diorama (Apple Vision Pro)
- PAC MAN 256+
- FF IV: THE AFTER YEARS+
You shouldn’t expect this from Apple in December
After releasing the first M4 Macs in November, Apple is almost certainly done releasing new hardware this year. It is rare for Apple to launch a new product in December. The only exceptions are devices that were announced well in advance and are still just within Apple’s 2024 launch timeline. But we don’t expect such a product this year.
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