Apple has released the AI-powered version of iOS 18.2 to its public beta users, introducing a suite of new features aimed at enhancing user experience with artificial intelligence. These include Genmoji, an AI emoji generator app, the Image Playground for creating AI-generated images, integration of ChatGPT with Siri, and visual search capabilities using the iPhone 16’s cameras. Previously, these features were available only to developers, but now consumers can access them, though some features may require joining a waitlist.
The AI features, collectively called Apple Intelligence, promise to make Apple devices smarter and more capable. With AI-powered tools, Siri becomes more intelligent, offering better assistance with tasks like writing, proofreading, and image generation.
Additionally, these capabilities are being extended to third-party apps, allowing developers to incorporate Apple Intelligence into their own applications. This could make Apple’s AI tools an integral part of the broader iOS ecosystem if they are widely adopted by developers.
One of the notable AI tools is ChatGPT integration with Siri, which expands the virtual assistant’s functionality. Users can ask Siri to generate text, answer questions, and even create images using ChatGPT. Additionally, users who subscribe to ChatGPT’s paid plans will have access to advanced features. This collaboration benefits both companies, as it improves Siri’s performance and offers ChatGPT significant exposure to iPhone users.
Apple also introduced image-related tools, including Image Playground, which allows users to generate images from prompts, and Genmoji, a similar tool for creating custom emojis. Another feature, Image Wand, will convert rough sketches in Notes into AI-generated images. The iPhone 16’s camera now includes a new Visual Intelligence feature, which enables users to search and identify objects and places through the camera, further enhancing the device’s AI capabilities.
However, some users will need to wait before they can access these features, as they are not immediately available to everyone. Apple has implemented a waitlist for certain tools, including image creation, which could take days or weeks to roll out fully.
This cautious approach is partly due to concerns about AI safety, as evidenced by users creating inappropriate content with Genmoji. In addition to iOS 18.2, Apple has also released public betas for iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and tvOS 18.2, continuing its expansion of AI-driven features across its ecosystem.
