As for the timing of this release, typically the anonymous social media account reveals the build number of a new iOS release one week before it is launched. So a release sometime next week would normally be in order. However, because this is the holiday season after all, the update might be delayed until the second week of January which is actually the month’s first full week.
This will be a minor update and should be installed right away (it’s always best for security reasons to have the latest OS build available running your handset). It could contain patches to fix vulnerabilities or simply fix bugs afflicting iPhone users. Considering that Apple is taking the time and effort to push out a surprise update before iOS 18.3 is released, there must have been some flaws spotted that Apple is concerned about enough to get a patch out. Occasionally, Apple identifies a vulnerability that it has reason to believe has been exploited and in those cases, time is of the essence.
Next, tap the Back button in the upper left corner and you will see the prompt for iOS 18.3 Beta 1. Keep in mind that beta versions are not stable and once you install iOS 18.3 beta 1, you cannot go back to the stable version of iOS without having to wipe your device. You’ll have the opportunity to leave the iOS beta program once the stable version of iOS 18.3 is dropped late next month. Unless anything changes, we now expect iOS 18.2.1 to be available soon with iOS 18.3 due out around the end of the month.
