Beta versions of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2 are now available. Prepare your applications by confirming that they work as expected in these versions. And be sure to build and test with Xcode 16.2 beta to take advantage of the latest SDK advancements.
As anticipated earlier this year, changes to the browser choice screen, default apps and app removal for EU users, as well as support in Safari for exporting user data and for web browsers to import that data, are now available in beta versions of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2.
These releases also include improvements to the Apps area in Settings, first introduced in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. All users around the world will be able to manage their default apps through a Default Apps section at the top of the Apps area. New call and message default settings are also now available to all users worldwide.
Following feedback from the European Commission and developers, in these versions developers can develop and test EU-specific features, such as alternative browser engines, contactless apps, marketplace installs from web browsers, and marketplace apps, from anywhere in the world. Application developers using alternative browser engines can now use WebKit in those same applications.
See details about the browser choice screen, how to make an app available for users to choose as the default, how to create a calling or messaging app that can be the default, and how to import user data from Safari.
