Here's What Else to Expect From Apple Before 2024 Ends

[MacRumors]

2024 is quickly coming to a close, but Apple still has some software updates and other remaining items on its agenda to get through. Below, we outline some of the key things to expect from Apple through the remainder of the year.

Apple's four-day Black Friday-Cyber Monday offer should return next week. In the U.S. last year, Apple offered up to a $200 gift card with select products. Keep track of our own Black Friday deals roundup for more savings on Apple products.

Apple previously announced that iOS 18.2 will be released in December. More specifically, we recently reported that the update will likely be released on Monday, December 9. Other updates should be released at the same time, including iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, visionOS 2.2, and HomePod Software 18.2.

iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 introduce additional Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji for generating custom emoji, Image Playground for generating images, and ChatGPT integration for Siri. There is also a new Visual Intelligence feature on all iPhone 16 models that can provide information about things in your surroundings. For example, if you point your iPhone's camera at a restaurant, you will be provided with its operating hours and reviews. Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16, an iPad with an M-series chip or A17 Pro chip, or a Mac with an M-series chip.

On the iPhone XS and newer, iOS 18.2 also adds a new default apps section in the Settings app, an item location sharing feature in the Find My app, and more.

For the Apple TV, tvOS 18.2 adds a Snoopy screen saver and ultra-wide 21:9 projector support.

visionOS 2.2 adds an ultra-wide mode to Mac Virtual Display, the feature that lets you use the Apple Vision Pro as an external monitor for a Mac. Apple says this is equivalent to using two physical 5K displays sitting side by side on a desk.

After those updates are released, the next wave of betas should follow in December. That should include iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3, visionOS 2.3, and HomePod Software 18.3. Apple's point-three updates are typically minor in scale relative to other versions, and there is a pause in beta releases during the holiday season. These updates will likely be released to the public in January.

The first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay could be released before the end of the year, if Apple meets the 2024 timeframe stated on its website. It has been nearly two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, so it has been a long wait. Apple has continued to prepare for next-generation CarPlay within iOS 18.2 code. For more details about next-generation CarPlay features, read our previous story.

Apple recently revealed the most popular podcasts of 2024, and Apple Music has some Best of 2024 playlists. Expect year-end charts and award winners for apps, books, and more soon, along with Apple Music's annual Artist of the Year selection. Of course, there could always be a surprise announcement or two in store through the end of the year.

Article Link: Here's What Else to Expect From Apple Before 2024 Ends

 

[StrangeNoises]

No one has any reason to by a Mac Studio right now. They should be bringing those upgrades forward as fast as possible. At least the M4 Max Studio, what's that waiting for, exactly?

 

[TechnoMonk]

If the AVP ultra wide screen is anything close to the pic, Its on my list for next year. Come on Apple get that M5 AVP 2.0 out.

 

[Harry Haller]

No one has any reason to by a Mac Studio right now. They should be bringing those upgrades forward as fast as possible. At least the M4 Max Studio, what's that waiting for, exactly?

M4 Max and Ultra might be supply constrained.
That and Apple wants M4s into the highest volume products first.
Latest rumors say second half '25.

 

[Surf760]

Hoping the new carplay integration rolls out through an update to the new cars that are already in market and have support for the "new" model of the exact same car. For example, Porsche (the brand always cited by Apple) recently updated the Panamera and Cayenne with the same tech that's going to be in that car for the next several years. Hopefully owners of those vehicles that are say 2023 - 2024 models aren't somehow blocked simply because they don't own the 2025 or 2026 that has all the same tech.

 

[Keymaster]

I have a 2024 Volvo V60, and Volvo sent out an email last month where they said there are big plans for a software update to the car UI early in 2025. They are on the list of manufacturers who will support CarPlay 2, so it is possible that it shows up in the update. CarPlay works well enough, but it's missing some integration that would make it more useful, and in general there are things in the UI that need to be changed, they are a bit aggravating.

 

[maxoakland]

Why on earth does the Defaults setting require an iPhone XS or newer? That’s crazy

 

[maxoakland]

M4 Max and Ultra might be supply constrained.
That and Apple wants M4s into the highest volume products first.
Latest rumors say second half '25.

They should amp up production then. It’s ridiculous to let models languish for so long

 

[Realityck]

Apple previously announced that iOS 18.2 will be released in December. More specifically, we recently reported that the update will likely be released on Monday, December 9. Other updates should be released at the same time, including iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, visionOS 2.2, and HomePod Software 18.2.

The only thing Apple has implied is the following

New Apple Intelligence features will be available in December, with additional capabilities rolling out in the coming months.

That is believed to be against 18.2 but its doesn't tell you anything except the anticipated month.

 

[Octavius8]

And still we are not able to correct a mistyped number in the pre-historic LAME dial app. Sooooooo lame basic feature is not supported.... really pathetic.
Sadly I am so invested in the closed ecosystem that is near impossible and super expensive to swtich to a chinese phone maker with much more innovations... and a XXI century dial pad.

 

[sdf]

Why on earth does the Defaults setting require an iPhone XS or newer? That’s crazy

What earlier phones does iOS 18 support?

 

[svish]

Expecting to see only the new set of Apple Intelligence features as the highlight along with some of the best apps/games for the year.

 

[bn-7bc]

They should amp up production then. It’s ridiculous to let models languish for so long

TSMC does not have unlimited capacity on their latest node (which it what apple e\nd a few others are using) and everybody is screaming for chips at this time (charismas etc), so aple might not be able to amp up production

 

[bn-7bc]

And still we are not able to correct a mistyped number in the pre-historic LAME dial app. Sooooooo lame basic feature is not supported.... really pathetic.
Sadly I am so invested in the closed ecosystem that is near impossible and super expensive to swtich to a chinese phone maker with much more innovations... and a XXI century dial pad.

huh the last time I used the dial app a month ago i was perfectly able to correct the number, until the second I pressed the dial button, and at that point it is in the hands of the phone network, which as far as I know don't have a command for correct digit, so either you have unreasonable expectations or I've misunderstood what you are referring to, would you care to elaborate?

 

[FlyingDutch]

Apple Intelligence still limited to US is a really bad move from Apple. They have a worldwide customer base…

 

[teejaysplace24]

No one has any reason to by a Mac Studio right now. They should be bringing those upgrades forward as fast as possible. At least the M4 Max Studio, what's that waiting for, exactly?

Pro users tend to spend more money up front for top end hardware, which they then upgrade less frequently, so it doesn't make sense for Apple to develop those chips at volume unless sales are likely to match. They appear to have settled on an every-other-generation upgrade cycle for the Ultra, which is workable as the M2 is still Apple's fastest chip in certain circumstances, so the engineering obviously paid off. So Studio + M4 Ultra will probably come out in early summer 2025, which aligns with the M2 Ultra's release table.

 

[Jamie0003]

No one has any reason to by a Mac Studio right now. They should be bringing those upgrades forward as fast as possible. At least the M4 Max Studio, what's that waiting for, exactly?

Money. Staggered releases tends to make them more

 

[Realityck]

If the AVP ultra wide screen is anything close to the pic, Its on my list for next year. Come on Apple get that M5 AVP 2.0 out.

That picture is like looking at two 97" or larger displays side by side. Here is two 27" studio displays side by side , if you were seated in front of them. Below is an image of a 97" LG display for size comparisons. The point with these pictures is you eye need to wander a lot further with AVP ultra wide screens, where as gaming or business you can discern whats going on with both and not have as much eye ball travel. I have two 27" at my setup and my eyes can alternate between them very easily to those size/desk distance way from. So I like the concept of AVP showing a huge screen in Apples marketing simulation but it's too elongated for some things.

 

[TechnoMonk]

That picture is like looking at two 97" or larger displays side by side. Here is two 27" studio displays side by side , if you were seated in front of them. Below is an image of a 97" LG display for size comparisons. The point with these pictures is you eye need to wander a lot further with AVP ultra wide screens, where as gaming or business you can discern whats going on with both and not have as much eye ball travel. I have two 27" at my setup and my eyes can alternate between them very easily to those size/desk distance way from. So I like the concept of AVP showing a huge screen in Apples marketing simulation but it's too elongated for some things.

Nice setup. I travel a lot, so AVP would be great companion to take wide screens on the road. Not sure if I will use AVP at my home office.

 

[maxoakland]

Pro users tend to spend more money up front for top end hardware, which they then upgrade less frequently, so it doesn't make sense for Apple to develop those chips at volume unless sales are likely to match. They appear to have settled on an every-other-generation upgrade cycle for the Ultra, which is workable as the M2 is still Apple's fastest chip in certain circumstances, so the engineering obviously paid off. So Studio + M4 Ultra will probably come out in early summer 2025, which aligns with the M2 Ultra's release table.

I don’t buy this line of reasoning because it’s not like every single Pro user upgraded at the same time. There were people who didn’t need to upgrade then and now they want the newest chip

Also, shouldn’t Apple try to keep it attractive to gain pro users? They’re not only thinking about their current audience (I hope) and if non-Apple users see these machines aren’t kept current, that’s gonna be a turnoff for someone who wants to spend their money up front for longer term performance