iOS 18.3 beta release date: Here's when to expect the next update

iOS 18.2 has just been released, but for beta users who have been using the software since October, it's officially old news. Next up is the iOS 18.3 beta, which should be out very soon. Here's when to expect the first iOS 18.3 beta to launch.

All signs point to the iOS 18.3 beta launching this week

Apple may have a reputation for keeping secrets, but it also tends to follow predictable patterns.

For example, when a company releases a major software update for its devices, the next version of that software typically comes out in beta within a couple of days.

This pattern points to the release of the first iOS 18.3 beta 1 later this week.

That means Thursday, December 12th or Friday, December 13th are the most likely release dates for iOS 18.3 beta 1.

Friday releases are rarer, but they have happened before. And we could also see a release on Monday, December 16th.

Holiday Impact Unlikely

Some may wonder: will Apple really release new betas so close to the holidays?

Yes, it will definitely happen. Even though most of the company is about to go on an extended holiday break, Apple won't hesitate to send out new betas right now. There's years of evidence to back this up.

Here's what the last three Decembers have brought:

Public Releases

iOS 17.2: Monday, December 11
iOS 16.2: Tuesday, December 13
iOS 15.2: Monday, December 13

Beta Releases

iOS 17.3 beta: Tuesday, December 12
iOS 16.3 beta: Wednesday, December 14
iOS 15.3 beta: Friday, December 17

So for the last two years, Apple has been releasing new x.3 betas the day after their major public launches x.2. iOS 15 is an exception, as it came out a full four days later, and on a Friday.

What to Expect in iOS 18.3

iOS 18.3 is in some ways a particularly exciting release because we know so little about what it will contain.

Apple has already previewed some features for next year's iOS 18.4 release, such as expanded language support for Apple Intelligence. According to Mark Gurman's report, 18.4 is also expected to bring major changes to Siri.

However, there haven't been any leaks yet with iOS 18.3 and its accompanying updates.

Some of the features that are being pushed include:

a new style for Image Playground: Sketch
Apple's Mail redesign coming to iPad and Mac
robot vacuum support for HomeKit
Genmoji debuting on the Mac

But overall, I'm hoping for some surprises. Maybe the Journal app will finally come to iPad? Or will the new Home features pave the way for the 2025 HomePad?

Either way, we won't have to wait long to find out what Apple has in store for iOS 18.3.

What are you hoping to see in iOS 18.3? Will you be installing the beta right away? Let us know in the comments.