Check your iPhone because a new software update IS waiting to be installed: iOS 18.2.1.
The latest release comes almost a month after the launch of iOS 18.2, a significant update that brought a localised version of Apple’s AI features (collectively known as Apple Intelligence) to the UK.
So, what’s new and should you skip or download it?
Here’s what you need to know about iOS 18.2.1.
What’s new in iOS 18.2.1?
Apple’s iOS 18.2.1 is the first iPhone software update of 2025 and was released alongside iPadOS 18.2.1 on Monday, January 6.
Apple says the update “provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users”.
Apple doesn’t say what those bugs are, but many wrinkles must be ironed out.
Users have noted issues including notifications for group chat messages showing up even when they have alerts set to hidden; artwork for songs and albums not appearing on the lock screen and CarPlay; keyboard glitches when opening up emojis; a lack of push notifications for apps installed after updating to iOS 18.2; a laggy flashlight; and camera blackouts; among other bugs.
Apple typically publishes details for security-related bugs on its support website a few days after a release. This delay helps ensure most users have updated their devices before malicious actors can exploit the vulnerabilities.
For its part, Apple explains that it “doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are generally available”.
How to download iOS 18.2.1
iPhones automatically update by default when charging overnight as long as they're connected to WiFi.
However, if you have the automatic updates setting turned off, or if you’re unsure if you have the new update, you can download it by doing the following:
Head to settings > general > software update and follow the on-screen instructions on your iPhone.
What is the iOS 18.2.1 download size?
The size of the iOS 18.2.1 update varies depending on the iPhone model, ranging from roughly 310mb on iPhone 15 to 511mb on iPhone 16.
Is it worth updating?
We can tell that this is a relatively minor update given Apple’s numbering system for updates. iOS 18 was the major release, followed by iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 and, soon, iOS 18.3 — all of which included several new perks.
Between major releases, Apple rolled out smaller updates, including iOS 18.0.1, iOS 18.1.1, and the latest, iOS 18.2.1.
The previous updates addressed issues including zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in attacks on Intel-based Mac systems. Hackers can take advantage of these security flaws in software or hardware before a company can fix them.
Apple also fixed bugs that allowed audio messages to be recorded before the microphone indicator turned on and exposed saved passwords through an accessibility feature known as VoiceOver (scary stuff).
Overall, iOS 18.2.1 is well worth installing even if it is a secretive stop-gap update.
When is the next iPhone software update coming out?
Hot on the heels of iOS 18.2.1, Apple is gearing up to release another software update for iPhones. The future update is designed to end the fake news headlines generated by Apple’s AI.
It comes after the BBC flagged that the AI was producing misleading notification summaries for its articles. One erroneous summary falsely claimed that Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had shot himself.
Apple said it would release a software change in the coming weeks to “further clarify” when AI has generated notification summaries.
