iOS 18.2 was released earlier this month, introducing new features like Visual Intelligence and Image Playground. While the AI update may be getting all the attention, this patch also added some quality of life improvements to your iPhone that you may not have noticed. They range from changing the layout of your lock screen to adding controls for your Photos app. This patch is quite large, so rather than review every update, we’ll highlight the most impactful changes.
Related article: The best iPhones you can buy right now (and whether you should upgrade to iPhone 16)
Once you’re done reading, you can install iOS 18.2 on your iPhone by opening the Settings menu and going to General. Tap “Software Update” to find the patch. Note that you will need a phone that can support iOS 18, such as an iPhone 13 Pro. Please note that the Apple Intelligence feature is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. Unfortunately, it is not supported on older models.
1. New layout controls
Starting with iOS 18.2, Apple finally allows users to arrange app icons in any order they like. Apps no longer automatically snap to a strict grid when you move them, so you can leave more space for your background wallpaper.
Dark mode can also be applied to the home screen. Doing this will darken your wallpaper and change the background of first-party apps from white to black. The bottom dock will also be dark gray. You can tap the sun icon to switch the wallpaper back to light mode while keeping dark apps.
Also: iOS 18.2 with Apple AI is available for iPhone. How to download (and which models support it)
A colored option has also been added. This allows you to “paint” all app icons on your home screen a single color, such as red, blue, or green. iOS 18.2 also allows you to change the brightness. Therefore, you can use rich or light shades for your icons.
Other notable changes include larger icons and the ability to change the Control Center.
2. Clean up Photos app
In the Photos app, you can permanently erase recently viewed and recently shared albums. While viewing the image, tap the three dots in the top right corner to open the drop-down menu. Select “Remove All from Recently Viewed” (or “Recently Shared” if you’re looking at an album) to clear everything. Don’t worry about losing your photos. The original file remains intact.
Also: iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade to Apple’s latest model?
If you want to delete images from an album one at a time, instead press and hold the photo and choose[最近表示した項目から削除]Tap. Additionally, Apple allows users to disable the auto-loop feature for photos. This tool automatically resumes playing the video when the clip ends, in case you need a refresher. This switch is[設定]on the menu[アプリ]You can find it by navigating to the section. Select Photos and press the Loop Video switch near the bottom to turn it off.
3. Improved camera control
While we’re on the topic of photography, this next feature is reportedly exclusive to the iPhone 16 line. Owners of recent series can restrict the camera control buttons to only work when the screen is on. This prevents accidental presses when holding the iPhone horizontally (of course, it does not support accidental presses while watching videos, so there is room for improvement).
ALSO: We tested the iPhone 16 Pro camera system and it’s seriously underrated – with one tragic flaw
This option[設定]in the menu[ディスプレイと明るさ]It’s at the bottom of the section. Just press the toggle switch and you’re all set. At the time of writing, it is unclear whether the iPhone 15 series will also have this security feature. I hope Apple expands on the fix, as older models still have issues. Until then, reddit user I recommend changing the button activation gesture to double click in settings.
4. “Find My” expansion
Apple’s Find My feature is a useful tool for finding AirTags attached to lost items. As part of iOS 18.2, the tech giant is allowing users to share AirTag locations with major airlines to help find lost luggage. Fifteen airlines support this update, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and British Airways.
How it works is that once you find AirTag on your iPhone, tap the item you want to share location updates with.[アイテムの位置を共有]is to choose. This will create a temporary web page with a link that you can share with the airline. Each airline has a different way of receiving generated links. united airlinesFor example, we ask people to send a link to ‘Report delayed baggage’ to the official mobile app. We recommend checking with your airline to see how your information is shared.
