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

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 Logo Gift
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.

iOS 18 Genmoji WWDC
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.

iOS 18 2 Share AirTag Location
For the Apple TV, tvOS 18.2 adds a Snoopy screen saver and ultra-wide 21:9 projector support.

Snoopy Apple TV Screen Saver
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.

visionOS 2 Ultra Wide Mac Virtual Display
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.

Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 1
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.

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Top Rated Comments

StrangeNoises Avatar
16 weeks ago
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?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Keymaster Avatar
16 weeks ago
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.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechnoMonk Avatar
16 weeks ago
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.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Harry Haller Avatar
16 weeks ago

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.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
svish Avatar
16 weeks ago
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.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
16 weeks ago

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. :D:eek:



Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)