Apple has introduced an exciting new version of its mobile operating system called iOS 18.2, specifically designed for users who participate in its public beta testing. This update brings a host of new features powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Some of the highlights include:
- Genmoji: An app that allows you to create custom emojis using AI.
- Image Playground: An app where you can generate images based on your instructions.
- ChatGPT with Siri: Now, you can use ChatGPT, a powerful AI language model, directly with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant.
- Visual Search with iPhone 16 Cameras: A feature that lets you use your iPhone camera to search for and identify real-world objects.
These features were initially available only to developers, but now regular users can explore them. However, there’s a catch: some features will require you to join a waiting list before you can start using them.
Collectively, these new AI tools are referred to as Apple Intelligence, which is abbreviated as “AI.” This includes smarter capabilities for Siri, assistance with writing and editing across various apps, and the ability to create images. Additionally, other app developers will be able to incorporate Apple Intelligence features into their own applications. If these features become popular, they could potentially offer great benefits to users.
For example, with the new capabilities, you might ask Siri to pull up information from a certain app or perform tasks based on what you see on your screen. Apple initially plans to launch these features in apps related to Books, Browsers, Cameras, Document readers, File management, Journals, Mail, Photos, Presentations, Spreadsheets, Whiteboards, and Word processors.
While you wait to access these features, some key applications are particularly appealing:
- Image Playground: This is a new app that lets you generate images from text prompts, giving you a fun and creative way to produce visuals.
- Genmoji: Similar to Image Playground, this app helps you create personalized emojis.
- Image Wand: This tool will take your rough doodles from your notes and turn them into polished images using AI technology.
The new integration of ChatGPT with Siri expands what you can do by allowing you to ask it to help you write text, answer your questions, and even generate images. If you’re logged into your account, ChatGPT can keep track of your request history. Users who pay for a subscription can access additional features that enhance ChatGPT’s capabilities, benefiting both Apple and OpenAI by providing a smarter assistant for Apple users.
To enhance your experience, iPhone 16 users will find a new Camera Control button that launches Visual Intelligence. This feature lets you search for and identify objects and landmarks just by pointing your camera at them.
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Despite all the excitement, some users may find that they need to join a waitlist to access certain features. First, you need to enable Apple Intelligence since it’s turned off by default. After that, you’ll sign up for access to specific image-creation tools, and Apple hasn’t yet indicated how long this waiting period might take — it could be just a few days or potentially several weeks.
This precautionary measure is partly due to safety concerns, as users have already been experimenting with less appropriate emojis through Genmoji. It also allows Apple to ensure a smooth rollout of the new features for all users.
Before this iOS 18.2 update, Apple started introducing AI features like writing tools and notification summaries with iOS 18.1, and they also gave Siri a fresh new look with a glowing edge on the screen.
Alongside the iOS 18.2 beta release, Apple also made the first public betas available for iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and tvOS 18.2, giving users a taste of what’s next across their devices.
