- Apple The iOS 18.2 update is expected to launch this week with new features and AI improvements.
- The previous release candidate included ChatGPT, Genmojis, and Image Playground integration.
- The new features will be available on the iPhone 16 models as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
If you ignored Apple’s early AI features, the next batch could prove to be a more significant update.
Apple iOS 18.2 The release candidate was released on Thursday, offering a first look at what should launch for users in the coming days.
Apple’s AI software, Apple Intelligence, launched its first set of features on October 28. The upgrade included a revamped Siri, AI writing tools, Smart Replies, an updated Photos app, and a new focus mode called Reduce Interruptions.
This was just a fraction of the flashy AI features Apple showed off during its Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this year when the company decided to do a staggered rollout. This second wave of features will be followed by other launches next year.
So what can you expect when you upgrade to iOS 18.2 later this week?
Features expected in the December update include tools like Genmojis and Image Playground, among others. Like previous Apple Intelligence features, the latest AI features will be available for all iPhone 16 models as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
ChatGPT Integration
Apple’s iOS 18.2 introduces ChatGPT integration. Apple
Siri received some improvements in the iOS 18.1 update, but the iOS 18.2 update will further improve the voice assistant and allow in-app access to ChatGPT. With iOS 18.2, users will have access to the popular OpenAI chatbot through Siri and can access the tool by speaking to the voice assistant or tapping on it.
Visual intelligence
Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature expected in iOS 18.2 Apple
The new update will also allow iPhone 16 users to collect information by pointing their device at an object.
The tool is similar to Google Lenswhich performs reverse image searches and helps identify landmarks, plants and other objects or places.
Genmojis
Create a custom “Genmoji.” Apple
For those who prefer to communicate with emojis rather than writing, Genmojis could be a game-changer.
The new update allows users to be more playful and interactive in their messages, creating custom emojis directly from the keyboard and animated Genmojis of themselves, similar to Bitmoji.
Picture Playground
Image Playground was introduced during Apple’s WWDC 2024. Apple
Apple’s Image Playground is its answer to popular AI image generators like Dall-E or OpenAI’s Midjourney. The tool was first demonstrated at Apple’s WWDC conference earlier this year.
Image Playground users can create images based on a specific description or concept and will be able to select different formats like animation. The tool will be available as its own app and will also be accessible through third-party apps.
Photo updates
iOS 18.2 is expected to introduce several Photos updates, including video improvements such as improvements to Collection navigation and the ability to view a video more finely, which can be useful for editing. Users also have the option to clear their recently viewed and recently shared album history, and favorites will appear in the utility and pinned collection.
Other updates
Apple’s Mail app is getting an AI overhaul that will categorize emails based on their priority level. The update will provide access to “summary” viewwhich organizes all of a sender’s emails in one place.
Apple’s Internet browser, Safari, is also expected to receive some changes, including new customizable background images for the start page.
Apple is also expected to introduce Image Wand, a new tool for iPad that turns sketches and written notes into images in the Notes app.
Apple is also releasing some bug fixes and improvements with iOS 18.2, including a Podcast update that lets users choose their favorite categories and get relevant recommendations from their library.