Apple teases that the iOS 18.3 update is just around the corner. While it's generating a lot of attention right now, this release will be slightly different from its predecessors.

Get to know the newest updates about the latest iOS including the new features, what's being fixed, and the expected release date.

What's New in iOS 18.3?

Apple iOS 18.3's Next Release Will Be a Major Software

Despite the immense popularity of Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.3 won't be focused on AI innovations—those will be saved for iOS 18.4 later this year. However, this update isn't without exciting changes, as Apple addresses some critical updates across its software ecosystem, Forbes reports.

It's important to note that one update involves Apple Intelligence's news notification summaries, which have been causing issues. Here's how Apple is handling it:

Apple Intelligence News Notification Summaries Suspension

Apple introduced notification summaries powered by Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, but it hasn't been smooth sailing. A few news summaries generated by the AI were incorrect, and many news outlets were unhappy with the errors.

To fix this, Apple has made a brilliant move in iOS 18.3:

• Suspension of News & Entertainment Summaries: The notification summaries for these categories will be temporarily unavailable. Apple has acknowledged the issue and is working on fixes, with the summaries expected to return in a future update.
• Clarified Beta Status: The Notification Summaries section in Settings will now display a message noting that this feature is still in beta, which means mistakes are likely.
• New Warnings: When setting up, users will now receive a warning, "Summarization may change the meaning of the original headlines. Double-check important information."
• Customizable Summaries: You will also be able to turn off summaries in each app directly from the lock screen.

Camera, PDFs, and Messages Improvements

In addition to notification fixes, iOS 18.3 will bring a few notable changes to camera control, PDF editing, and Messages. Here's what's in store:

Camera Control Enhancements

With the introduction of the iPhone 16 series, Apple has streamlined its camera controls. The AE/AF lock toggle will now be renamed to Lock Focus and Exposure, providing a clearer and more intuitive label for users. This small change will make it easier for photographers to understand and control their camera settings.

PDF Editing Updates

You will notice iOS 18.3 displaying a warning on your screen whenever you crop content when editing a PDF. That cropped area won't be entirely removed. If you have something private, then it's worth noticing this point for people working with sensitive and private content so that the user knows what they are leaving exposed in the document.

Genmoji in Messages

Apple is introducing a Genmoji entry to the "+" button in Messages, allowing users to easily create personalized emojis. This feature is a fun and creative way for iPhone users to express themselves with custom avatars, enhancing the overall messaging experience.

When Will iOS 18.3 Be Released?

Apple typically rolls out software updates on a Monday or Tuesday, and all signs point to January 28, 2025, for the official release of iOS 18.3. While Monday, January 27, is another potential option, Tuesday, January 28 seems the most likely for the official drop.

Once released, iOS 18.3 will be available to all compatible iPhones, giving users access to the new features and fixes mentioned above.

While iOS 18.3 doesn't seem to be loaded with AI, the company has indeed focused on enhancing the usability of its devices by making some critical updates to notifications, camera controls, and messaging.

The suspension of News & Entertainment summaries will resolve an important problem, and new features such as Lock Focus and Exposure for cameras and Genmoji for messaging will make iPhones even more user-friendly.

Look forward to a slicker, more personal experience with iOS 18.3 when it launches later this month. If you're patient, you might want to wait for the iOS 18.4.