Apple’s iOS 18.2 public beta introduces several AI-driven features under Apple Intelligence, providing developers and beta testers early access to new tools. Available only on secondary devices due to potential bugs and battery drain issues, this beta follows iOS 18.1’s release, which also introduced some AI elements.
This update includes model-specific features, such as exclusive functionalities for the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models, and universally available updates that enhance the user experience across all compatible iPhones. Although there’s no announced release date for iOS 18.2’s final version, Apple is expected to continue refining and adding features throughout the testing phase.
A major highlight in iOS 18.2 is “Genmoji,” an AI-powered tool that allows users to create unique emojis by typing text descriptions. If users search for an emoji that doesn’t exist, Genmoji provides several custom options based on their description, allowing these new emojis to be saved directly to their keyboard.
This feature broadens emoji usage, helping users find personalized visual representations for niche emotions or items that might not be captured by the current set of over 3,000 emojis, bringing a more tailored approach to digital communication.
“Visual Intelligence” is another noteworthy addition to this beta, offering a feature similar to Google Lens for real-time object and text recognition through the iPhone camera. Available only on iPhone 16 due to hardware requirements, it leverages a new side button for quick access to identify objects, phone numbers, QR codes, and even translate languages.
Additionally, this feature integrates with ChatGPT, enabling it to provide context and background information on identified items, creating a faster, AI-enhanced search experience directly from the camera’s view.
The new “Image Playground” feature expands Apple’s AI offerings further by allowing users to generate custom images from text prompts. In this tool, users can combine multiple prompts, select from different art styles, and even incorporate photos of themselves or others into AI-generated images.
Accessible as both a feature within Messages and a standalone app, Image Playground offers a playful and creative outlet for users, producing a range of visual results that can be humorous or artistically expressive. This feature enhances the potential for users to experiment with digital art in a novel and interactive way.
Other updates in iOS 18.2 include a redesigned Siri, refined ChatGPT integration, updates to the Mail app, and new Find My capabilities. Siri now sports a glowing border instead of its usual logo and can use ChatGPT for complex requests, although Apple suggests verifying important results.
The Mail app has been updated with new sorting features, similar to Gmail’s categorization, which occasionally misplaces emails. In the Find My app, users can now share item locations with others or attach contact information for lost items, increasing the chances of recovery. These updates emphasize Apple’s focus on creating a more connected, user-centered experience powered by AI advancements.
