Top 5 New Features Coming to iPhones This Month

iOS 18.2 is the next major update to the iPhone operating system, and Apple is expected to release the final version of it to all iPhone users soon, before mid-December.

The iOS 18.2 update includes a new set of Apple Intelligence features exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series, as well as a set of other features that will reach all compatible iPhones.

In this article, we will mention 5 of the most prominent features that will reach all compatible iPhones this month:

1- Ability to change default applications:

For the first time, iOS 18.2 will let you skip Apple's default apps like Phone and Messages and use third-party apps instead.

Currently, iPhone users can use third-party apps for their web browser and email instead of using Safari and the iPhone's built-in Mail app, but with the iOS 18.2 update, Apple is offering more options.

After updating your phone's operating system to iOS 18.2, you can access the new default apps list by following these steps:

Go to the Settings app , then select Apps .
Click on the Default Apps option , then you can choose the apps you want other than Apple's default apps for email, messages, calls, browser, passwords, and more.

2- Ability to share the location of the AirTag device with another person:

If you use an AirTag , iOS 18.2 will let you temporarily share its location with an airline or a trusted person. That way, if you lose your luggage, you can ask people who aren’t in your contacts to help you find it.

After updating to iOS 18.2, the built-in Find My app on iPhones will have a new option called Share Item Location . Using it will generate a shareable link showing the device’s location. You’ll be able to see how many people have accessed the shareable link, ask multiple people for help, and unshare your AirTag’s location at any time. The link will automatically expire once your device is found, or after a week if you don’t find it.

3- Add volume control bar to lock screen:

iOS 18.2 introduces a new feature that lets you add a volume control bar to the Lock screen, which lets you adjust the volume of what you're listening to right from the Lock screen without pressing the physical volume control buttons.

After updating to iOS 18.2, you can add the volume control bar to the lock screen by following these steps:

Open the Settings app , then select Accessibility .
Click on the Audio and Visual option .
Enable Always Show Volume Control .

4- A new way to organize your email:

If you're using Apple's default Mail app, you'll notice a design change after updating to iOS 18.2. The app will automatically sort emails into one of four categories:

Primary: Contains important messages.
Transactions: Includes messages related to your orders, such as shipping and delivery notifications, grouped by sender.
Updates: Includes newsletters and alerts from apps you have an account with.
Promotions: Includes promotional messages from different companies.

You can learn more about the changes coming to the Mail app with the iOS 18.2 update in the article: “ What’s new in the Mail app in iOS 18.2? ”

5- New feature to set maximum media volume level:

iOS 18.2 brings a new feature to iPhone users called Volume Limit that lets you set the volume level of your iPhone's built-in speaker, so you won't accidentally turn it up too loud.

According to Apple, the Volume Limit feature affects the volume of media such as songs, videos, and other media. When turned on, it does not affect the volume of FaceTime calls, ringtones, alerts, or other sounds.

To enable the volume limit feature, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app , then select Sounds & Haptics .
Scroll down and select Volume Limit .
Enable the Volume Limit option and set the maximum to between 20% and 90%.