Apple has officially rolled out the public beta iOS 18.2and with it comes a range of exciting new things Apple Intelligence features designed to improve productivity, creativity and usability on your iPhone. While some features are already live, others (including Apple’s innovative imaging tools) have a longer waitlist process. Here’s what you need to know about the latest update.
Improved Apple Intelligence integration
The core of iOS 18.2 is the deeper integration of Apple Intelligenceincluding a more conversational one Sirismarter app interactions and tools that help users create, manage and personalize content more efficiently.
A striking feature is the seamless integration of ChatGPT into Siriallowing the assistant to tackle more complex questions, generate content and manage tasks with greater contextual understanding. Whether you’re composing emails, brainstorming ideas, or organizing your schedule, SiriThe extensive intelligence makes multitasking smoother than ever.
The iOS 18.2 public beta also introduces several advanced tools that take iPhone functionality to the next level. However, please note that some positions are on the waiting list for the time being.
Visual intelligence
Visual intelligence takes Apple’s existing camera and Photos app to the next level. With this feature on the iPhone 16 series using the Camera controls The button allows users to take photos of objects, meals or locations and receive detailed contextual information. For example, you can capture an image of a dish and Visual Intelligence will provide calorie estimates, nutritional information and even recipes.
Siri and ChatGPT integration
The iOS 18.2 public beta also builds on the Siri-ChatGPT collaboration introduced in previous versions of iOS 18. Siri can now leverage ChatGPT’s capabilities to answer questions, get advice, generate images and more. Moreover, the new feature offers ChatGPT Plus integration, giving paying subscribers direct access to advanced features through iOS settings, including higher usage limits and faster response times. Users can upgrade via Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > ChatGPT.
Image Playground – currently on the waiting list
One of the most talked about additions to iOS 18.2 is Image PlaygroundApple’s AI-powered creative suite for editing and manipulating photos. This feature allows users to apply artistic styles to photos, generate unique images from scratch using text prompts, and refine existing images with AI-powered enhancements. Although similar to popular tools such as Halfway through the journeyImage Playground has its own iOS app.
Genmoji – currently on the waiting list
Genmoji expands the popular Memoji feature with a tool that uses AI to generate highly personalized, lifelike avatars. You can customize them to display a wider range of expressions, emotions and even outfits, making them a fun addition to messages and texts.
How to try the iOS 18.2 public beta
To access the latest features, simply install the update on your iPhone by going to Settings>General>Software Update. From there, tap the Beta Updates option and select the iOS 18.2 public beta. After visiting the Software Update page and waiting for the download to appear, you must agree to Apple’s terms and conditions and then start the download.
Please note that beta software may contain bugs. So it is best to backup your device before performing the update.
How to sign up for the waiting list
While the beta has plenty to explore, a number of highly anticipated features still remain unavailable to the general public, including those that fall under the ‘Image Creation’ features. Current waitlisted features include Image Wand, Image Playground, and Genmoji. Install the iOS 18.2 beta to join the waitlist. After the update, you will see a new Image Playground app in your app library. Open the app and request to be placed on the waiting list. Likewise, the Genmoji feature on the emoji keyboard allows you to submit your request for access. After you register, you will be placed on a waiting list, with waiting times possibly lasting several weeks.
In short
iOS 18.2 marks a significant step forward in Apple’s AI ambitions. By building advanced tools like Image Playground, Genmoji and Siri with ChatGPT, Apple makes AI more accessible and usable for everyday use. Stay tuned for our hands-on impressions of all the new Apple Intelligence features.