Exciting New Apple Highlights This December

The year may be coming to an end but in December get ready for some exciting new Apple releases, particularly in software and services. Here’s a sneak peek.

iOS 18.2 is set to make a splash around mid-December, likely the week of December 9. This massive software update is packed with features that will enhance your iPhone experience, whether you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible device or not.

Here are some of the standout iOS 18.2 AI enhancements:

Genmoji: Create your own custom emojis for use in any app.

ChatGPT in Siri: Siri now taps into ChatGPT’s vast knowledge, allowing you to query ChatGPT directly.

Image Playground: Design unique AI images in animation, illustration, or sketch styles.

Visual intelligence: Utilize iPhone 16’s Camera Control to gather relevant information from your surroundings.

Compose with ChatGPT: OpenAI’s assistant can draft original text inside any app.

Custom rewrites: Apple’s writing tools offer ‘Describe your change’ for personalized AI rewrites.

Even if your device doesn’t support Apple Intelligence or you’re in an unsupported AI region, there are still plenty of fantastic upgrades to look forward to. Stay tuned for more details!

visionOS 2.2 with huge Mac Virtual Display upgrades

The Mac Virtual Display feature on Vision Pro is getting a major upgrade with visionOS 2.2, introducing:

A new Wide display setting

An even bigger Ultrawide setting

Higher screen resolution for clearer visuals

Audio playback directly from the Vision Pro

For early adopters who have stopped using the Vision Pro regularly, visionOS 2.2 could bring them back.

Extra software updates

iOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 introduce compelling features, while other Apple platforms also get solid updates:

iPadOS 18.2 includes major iOS features and the exclusive Image Wand feature for Notes.

macOS Sequoia 15.2 adds Apple Intelligence features, AirPlay upgrades, a Weather widget for the Menu Bar, and more.

tvOS 18.2 introduces new aspect ratio settings and screensavers.

watchOS 11.2 is coming soon; no new features have been found yet.

The first iOS 18.3 betas

Apple typically releases its first beta version of new software within a couple days of launching its predecessor. This means we should see the first iOS 18.3 beta arrive in mid-December. We have no clue yet about what to expect.

Next generation CarPlay debuts

Apple promised that next-gen CarPlay would arrive before the end of 2024, and this is still stated on their CarPlay website. Recent hints suggest its debut is imminent, making me hopeful that the wait will end this December.

Apple TV+ new releases

Apple TV+ has been full of hit shows with my favourite being Disclaimer with Cate Blanchett, and many of its current shows will continue airing new episodes throughout December. Apart from those weekly releases, there is a smaller batch of new content coming in December. The most notable arrival is the streaming debut of “Fly Me to the Moon,” with other highlights including a new nature documentary series and some children’s programming. This period may be considered a calm before January’s numerous new seasons of “Severance” and “Mythic Quest.”

Apple Arcade new releases

Apple recently announced its Apple Arcade lineup for the remainder of the year and into early 2025. There are eight new titles debuting in December, with notable highlights including:

FINAL FANTASY IV (3D REMAKE)+

Talking Tom Blast Park

Little Cities: Diorama (Apple Vision Pro)

PAC-MAN 256+

FF IV: THE AFTER YEARS+