The update to iOS 18.2 aims to simplify finding lost items. For non-EU users, it will bring many new Apple Intelligence features. However, users in the EU will not miss out entirely. The new beta includes improvements for the “Find My” network, camera controls for iPhone 16 models, and cosmetic changes in settings.
iOS 18.2: New “Find My” Feature for Lost Items
With iOS 18.2, Apple expands the “Find My” network with a useful feature that simplifies locating lost items. This feature allows users to share the location of a lost item with others. If you use this feature, you can create a link in the “Find My” app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to share the lost item’s location. Once you share the link, the person receiving it gets access to an interactive map showing the item’s location. The website updates automatically if the lost item moves and shows a timestamp of the last movement. This feature aims to make finding lost luggage easier.
According to Apple, the new tracking feature will automatically deactivate once you find your lost item. You can also manually stop sharing the location of an AirTag anytime. The link expires after seven days. The feature “Share Item Location” can be opened via a browser.
Apple states that 15 airlines support this feature, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Vueling. These airlines can accept locations of “Find My” items to locate misdirected or delayed luggage. More airlines will join over time.
iPhone 16: Camera Control Gets New Features
Since the announcement of the iPhone 16 family, Apple planned to improve camera control with a follow-up update. With iOS 18.2, promised features like focus and focus lock are now available. To focus on an object like a DSLR camera, you need to apply a gentle press on the camera button under iOS 18.2. You must activate the new focus and exposure lock (AE/AF lock) in the camera settings before first use. Then, you can toggle the feature on or off with a longer press on the camera control. This helps keep the object in focus during videos or when taking multiple photos of an object.
iOS 18.2: Redesigned Settings and More Apple Intelligence
iOS 18.2 brings redesigned icons in settings that match the home screen’s color scheme. The dark mode is now slightly darker. Additionally, Apple delivers numerous new Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration in Siri, and “Visual Intelligence” on iPhone 16 models. The management of default apps is simplified, and Apple Intelligence is expanded to more countries. Apple plans to release iOS 18.2 in December. Currently, iOS 18.2 Beta 3 is available for developers, and there is a public beta for testing.