iOS 18.2.1 Update: What’s New and Should You Update?

Today, Apple released the very first iOS update of 2025, iOS 18.2.1. This is a public release, not a beta, and is available to everyone not currently on the iOS 18.3 beta. This update came alongside iPadOS 18.2.1, but no other updates were released today. The update size is around 511 megabytes on the iPhone 16 Pro.

What’s New in iOS 18.2.1?

Apple mentions that this update provides important bug fixes, but does not specify what exactly has been fixed. The new build number is 22C161, and the modem firmware version is 1.21.05.

How to Use iOS Diagnostics Mode to Troubleshoot Your iPhone

If you’re experiencing issues with your iPhone, such as connection problems, audio issues, or Face ID malfunctions, you can run diagnostics on your device before taking it to an Apple Store. Apple provides tools that allow you to enter diagnostic mode and test various components of your iPhone. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to enter diagnostic mode and run diagnostics on your iPhone.

Exploring the Action Button and Shortcuts App on iPhone 15 and 16 Pro Models

The iPhone 15 and 16 Pro models have introduced a new physical button called the Action Button, which significantly enhances the functionality of your device. This button, combined with the powerful Shortcuts app, allows users to automate tasks and create custom actions that can be triggered with a simple press. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what the Action Button is, how it works with the Shortcuts app, and provide some examples of useful shortcuts you can create.

iOS 18.3 Beta 1: New Features and Updates

Apple has released iOS 18.3 Beta 1, and it brings several new features and updates. Here’s a summary of what’s new:

New Apple Intelligence Features

iOS 18.3 Beta 1 includes updates to the Apple Intelligence model, improving features like skin tone for Gen Emoji and notification summaries. These updates aim to make notifications more accurate and less misleading.

Accessibility Improvements

A new glyph icon for camera control has been added under Settings > Accessibility. This minor update enhances the user interface for accessibility features.

iOS 18: New Features in the Notes App

Apple’s iOS 18 brings a host of new features to the Notes app, making it more powerful and versatile than ever. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new:

Live Audio Recording and Transcription

With iOS 18, you can now record audio directly within the Notes app. This feature allows you to capture meetings, lectures, or personal memos, and it automatically transcribes the audio into text, making it searchable and easy to reference.

iOS what is beta software

Installing beta versions of ios software can be a great way to try out new features before they are released, but there are some potential issues to be aware of.

Beta software is a pre-released version of software. It can contain many bugs, especially early betas. Buggy software can use a lot more cpu, which in turn can use a lot more battery, resulting in reduced battery life and your phone not working as expected. I recommend that if you want to install betas to test out new features, either install the beta version on a spare phone or dont install an early beta.

iPhone Cases

From personal experience I can recommend 2 case brands and one to avoid.

I use a Mous case on my iphone 16 pro max. It is a fantasic case with great buttons. Mine is around 1.5 years old and still in great condition. The only downsides is that it is a little big and bulky and the top edge is a little high, so when I swipe down I sometimes touch the top edge but it didn’t take me long to get used to it.

iOS 18.2 Features: What’s New?

Apple has officially released iOS 18.2, and it’s packed with exciting new features, especially for those with Apple Intelligence-enabled devices. Let’s dive into what’s new in this update.

Apple Intelligence Enhancements

Image Playground

Image Playground is a new app designed to help you create images based on your ideas. Similar to ChatGPT, you can generate images by providing a prompt. Apple offers suggested categories like themes, locations, and costumes to inspire your creativity. You can also include likenesses of friends and family by pulling images directly from your Photos app.

Blocking iPhone Hotspots

I use Apple’s Screen Time feature to control my son’s iPhone usage. Unfortunately, Apple does not provide a built-in way to block iPhone hotspots. My son would use his hotspot to allow internet access to his computer once I blocked the Wi-Fi to it.

In a perfect world, Apple would also allow you to block the hotspot as well. One way I have been able to block it is through the mobile/cell carrier app. Note that not all mobile phone companies support this feature.