Apple plans to launch at the very least three iOS variations earlier than the top of April, together with iOS 18.2.1, iOS 18.3, and iOS 18.4.
Beneath, we define what to anticipate from every of those updates.
iOS 18.2.1
Final month, we reported that Apple has been internally testing iOS 18.2.1, which is expected to have a build number of 22C161. The software program replace’s presence in our analytics logs continues to ramp up, so it might be launched as early as this week.
iOS 18.2.1 will likely be a minor replace that fixes bugs and/or addresses safety vulnerabilities, however it’s unclear which particular points may be resolved.
There aren’t any developer or public betas for minor updates like iOS 18.2.1.
iOS 18.3
iOS 18.3 has been in beta for developers and public beta testers since mid-December, and thus far it’s shaping as much as be one other minor replace.
The one potential new function coming to iPhones with iOS 18.3 thus far is robotic vacuum assist within the Residence app, however this performance just isn’t but dwell. Apple is laying the groundwork for the function, in response to new lines of code added in the iOS 18.3 beta, however it’s unclear if it is going to be accessible by time iOS 18.3 is launched to the general public.
When accessible, this function will will let you management key capabilities of your robotic vacuum within the Residence app, and with Siri voice instructions.
Right here is how Apple describes the function:
The Residence app now helps the core performance of robotic vacuum cleaners, comparable to energy management, cleansing mode, vacuum, mop, and cost standing. They’ll additionally take part in automations and scenes, and reply to Siri requests. So you’ll be able to add them to your cleansing routines — or inform Siri to do some spot cleansing in the lounge.
Past that, iOS 18.3 solely has very minor change thus far, comparable to a barely tweaked Picture Playground icon and bug fixes.
Apple has solely seeded one beta of iOS 18.3 thus far, so extra new options and modifications might be added in later betas. Nonetheless, it’s typical for Apple software program updates which might be in beta testing in the course of the vacation season to be minor, as Apple’s software program engineers are off from work for a lot of days and important points must be prevented.
iOS 18.3 will possible be launched in late January or early February.
iOS 18.4
Issues will lastly get extra fascinating once more with iOS 18.4, which is anticipated to incorporate a number of new Apple Intelligence enhancements for Siri.
Apple has been internally testing iOS 18.4 for a lot of months, and the replace must be an enormous one. On the iPhone 15 Professional fashions and all iPhone 16 fashions, Siri is anticipated to achieve a number of new capabilities, together with on-screen consciousness, deeper per-app controls, and higher understanding of non-public context. Nonetheless, a very conversational ChatGPT-like model of Siri just isn’t anticipated to launch until iOS 19.4 in March or April of 2026.
To study extra, learn our article titled Here’s What’s Changing With Siri in 2025.
Over the subsequent 12 months or so, Apple Intelligence will ultimately be accessible in extra languages, together with Chinese language, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others. Assist for a few of these languages might be added beginning with iOS 18.4.
Apple’s web site means that iOS 18.4 will likely be launched in April.
