iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, which are set for release next week, have a different build number compared to the currently available RC.
iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 Final Update Carries a Build Number of 22D61 Compared to 22D60 from RC
You can go ahead and download iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 for your iPhone and iPad right away as RC. However, the final update, which is set for release next week, has a different build number.
The RC versions of the update currently have the following build number: 22D60. The updates that are set for release next week have a build number of: 22D61.
This information comes from a leaker with a very solid track record when it comes to Apple software releases.
There are a couple of reasons why that may be the case.
There is a chance Apple is going to patch a last-minute security issue with iOS and iPadOS. While that does seem likely, reason two, as pointed out by MacRumors, makes far more sense.
According to them, Apple is set to release the 2025 Black Unity collection, which includes wallpapers, watch faces, and more. After all, February is Black History Month, which only adds more weight to this reason.
Though iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 feature very few changes, with the major one being a change to how Notification Summaries work. Currently, it’s being turned off for news and entertainment apps.
Another change is an interesting one: iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 enable Apple Intelligence on your device automatically during the onboarding process.
Apart from that, you can expect a bunch of bug fixes and improvements across the board.
Expect the update to become available sometime next week.
