Apple introduces the beta version of iOS 18.2. In addition to a new look for the AI ​​functions, the update also includes optimizations to the App Store and system apps.

iOS 18.2 is available in beta starting today. The focus of this update is on AI. After iOS 18.1 finally added Apple Intelligence to the operating system, iOS 18.2 adds new features like ChatGPT integration and languages. Currently, Apple Intelligence only speaks English but supports various locales. An expansion to additional languages ​​is planned for future iOS updates.

Unfortunately, the whole Apple Intelligence story isn’t that relevant to people in the EU yet. In protest against the DMA and the associated gatekeeper obligations, Apple is temporarily refusing to make its AI suite available to European users.

The door would still be open for macOS, but it remains closed for iOS for now, and iOS 18.2 won’t change that. China is also excluded from Apple Intelligence for similar reasons,

Concessions

That doesn’t mean European Apple users should skip iOS 18.2. Apple is making further concessions to Europe that are relevant for users. If you’ve always wanted to remove the App Store from your iPhone, you can do so by installing the latest update. iOS 18.2 also makes it easier to choose system apps for email, messages, browser and keyboard.

Under pressure from the EU, Apple is increasingly giving up the reins on iOS. It started with iOS enabling sideloading, and now we’re at the point where users can completely replace the App Store with third-party app stores. Until a year ago this would have been unthinkable. These adjustments only apply within the European Union,

The iPhone builder does not hide the fact that it is not set up with the DMA. As a gatekeeper, Apple is subject to the strictest regulations. In June, Apple received the dubious honor of becoming the first major technology company to report under the DMA.