Apple's most recent software update, iOS 18.2.1 for iPhones is unlike any other major versions. It simply strays away from security patches and new updates. Instead, the update simply focuses on sorting bugs in the system.

Here is what you should know as we count down to iOS 18.3.

iOS 18.2.1: A Bug Fixer, Not a Security Patcher

Apple iOS 18.2.1 Now Live: Several Bug Fixes Now Addressed

Now that iOS 18.2.1 is live, compatible iPhones can download the update, as per Apple, according to a support document released by the company.

Unlike previous releases that addressed severe security concerns, this version mainly deals with bugs and resolves user experience.

The iPhone maker confirmed that this update had no published CVE entries in its support document. This means it does not contain critical security fixes. Instead, this update addresses the minor issues faced by users post the release of iOS 18.2.

Although iOS 18.2 was a major update that brought Apple Intelligence to the masses, it was not without a few bugs. There were reports of sudden battery drain, malfunctioning Face ID, and Wi-Fi connectivity issues. iOS 18.2.1 is expected to iron out some of these minor bugs and improve your device's performance.

Which iPhones Are Compatible with iOS 18.2.1?

iOS 18.2.1 is available for all iPhones that support iOS 18, meaning the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr launched in 2018 and later. This includes all models of the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and the latest iPhone 15 and 16.

How to Download iOS 18.2.1

Downloading iOS 18.2.1 is easy. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings application on your iPhone.
2. Tap General, then click on Software Update.
3. Tap Download and Install.
4. Allow the installation to download; it should only take a couple of minutes or so since it is relatively small for the file size, approximately 511MB for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
5. Then, once your iPhone reboots automatically from the installation process, the new update will install.

What is in iOS 18.2.1?

iOS 18.2.1 is more of a minor update, as there are no new features brought forth. As indicated by Apple, it is one of the versions that contain necessary bug fixes regarding issues experienced following the iOS 18.2 release.

The company hasn't specifically disclosed what bugs are fixed; however, general guidance is to have this update regardless of issues, especially related to battery drain, Face ID, or Wi-Fi connectivity.

One important thing to note, according to Forbes: because this update doesn't contain any security patches, users who have not noticed significant problems with their devices might feel less urgency to update immediately.

What's Next? iOS 18.3 Developer Beta is Out

Apple is already preparing for the next major update after iOS 18.2.1. The second developer beta of iOS 18.3 was released on Jan. 7, and it brings some new changes.

For instance, the update contains a much-requested tweak of the Calculator app, which will now allow users to perform repeated calculations. This functionality was missing in previous versions. In addition, the Writing Tools API has been fixed, and a new icon has been added for Image Playground.

The public beta of iOS 18.3 will soon arrive and is anticipated to reach general availability by the last week of January.

To Upgrade or Not?

If you're experiencing issues like battery drain, Face ID problems, or Wi-Fi connectivity glitches, the iOS 18.2.1 update is worth installing. However, if your iPhone is functioning perfectly fine and you're not particularly bothered by the lack of security patches, you can hold off on the update for now.

Finally, iOS 18.2.1 is generally a small-size update, and it's somewhat important for any user who happens to have a minor software issue with iOS 18.2. So do look out, in the upcoming weeks, with iOS 18.3 slated to roll through any time now.