The crucial iOS 18.2 software update for the iPhone will be released on December 9, citing an apparent gaffe from a UK carrier.

Apple has officially only announced that iOS 18.2 will be released in December. But an additional clue was provided when EE sent a message earlier this month. notification to customers announced that the shared number service will not be available on MacBooks and iPads as of December 9. MacRumors He notes that this is a change that is expected to take effect with the release of iOS 18.2, as the second developer beta of the update includes a new EE carrier settings version that removes the toggle for this feature.

This may not seem entirely definitive on its own, but the date is significant in other ways, too. Today is Monday, when iOS updates are frequently released, and the update is released ahead of the holiday season. And the Monday before was Cyber ​​Monday, and it’s unlikely that such a big release would take place. So unless Apple reacts to the “leak” by changing its plans, this is likely to be the correct date.

And launch iOS 18.2 It’s a pretty big deal. One criticism of Apple’s fall 2024 launch cycle was that key features weren’t available when the new iPhones went on sale. Apple Intelligence never appeared until iOS 18.1, but many of its features were left behind until iOS 18.2. The update is expected to add Visual Intelligence, Genmoji and other AI-based rendering, ChatGPT integration, localized English support in the UK, Canada and Australia, and much more.

Read our guide Apple Intelligence launch For more details on new features coming soon.