With 2024 reaching its final stretch, Apple still has several aces up its sleeve to close the year strong. From important software updates, with iOS 18.2, to special promotions and possible surprisesthe Cupertino company is determined to keep its users attentive until the last moment.
Here we tell you everything we could expect before the New Year bells ring and the 2024 financial year closes for Californians.
Discounts, gifts and release of iOS 18.2
Next week, Apple will repeat its popular Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale. As happened in 2023, the promotion will include gift cards up to $200 for the purchase of certain products, although the exact figures and details for Spain have not yet been confirmed. Additionally, with Black Friday just around the corner, it will be interesting to compare this promotion with other notable offers that are emerging in the market.
One of the most anticipated dates will be December 9, the day on which the iOS 18.2 release and an avalanche of additional updates such as iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, visionOS 2.2 and HomePod Software 18.2. Among the main new features of these versions are the improvements in Apple Intelligencewhich expand the potential of compatible devices.
These innovations include Genmoji, for generating custom emojis, Image Playground, a creative tool for creating images, and even a More advanced ChatGPT integration into Siriwhich promises to take voice interaction to the next level. A feature called Visual Intelligence has also been introduced, exclusive to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, which allows you to obtain contextual information simply by pointing the device’s camera at an object or place.
The arrival of iOS 18.2 also brings surprises to older models such as the iPhone XS and later versions, which will have access to new settings such as a section to select the applications that will open by default from settings and a feature to share the location of objects in the Search app.
In the Apple TV ecosystem, the tvOS 18.2 update will add support for 21:9 aspect ratio ultrawide projectors and an animated Snoopy screensaver that Peanuts fans will love. For its part, visionOS 2.2 will incorporate a ultra wide mode for using Apple Vision Pro as an external Mac monitor, simulating two physical 5K displays placed on either side.
Next generation CarPlay: is it finally coming?
Apple could also keep its promise to release the version of New generation CarPlay before the end of the year. This system, first presented at WWDC 2022, has generated great expectations for its ability to further integrate iPhone functions with modern cars. Although details about the first manufacturers to implement it remain scarce, Apple has been fine-tuning the code within iOS 18.2, suggesting its release is imminent.
Balance of the year and some surprises
As is tradition, Apple will soon publish its selection of the best content of the year. Among the most anticipated are the Apple Music summaries, with the “Best of 2024” lists and the announcement of the Artist of the Yearas well as the rankings of the most notable applications and books in the App Store. These builds are often a reflection of the cultural and technological impact that Apple seeks to lead.
Apple has always been known for saving some unexpected revelation for the end. Although there are no official announcements, it is not ruled out that the company surprises with a launch or event before closing 2024.
With all these news on the horizon, it is clear that Apple wants to finish the year strong. If you are a user of their devices or simply a technology enthusiast, stay tuned! 2024 still has a lot to offer.
