On November 4, Apple rolled out the beta version of iOS 18.2, giving us a sneak peek at the AI features set to launch widely in December. They also released beta updates for the iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Apple Vision, and XCode 16.2 beta 2.
So, what’s new in iOS 18.2 beta? It showcases enhanced AI capabilities, prominently featuring ChatGPT’s integration with Siri. Here’s a quick look at the new additions:
- Image Playground and Image Wand: These tools let users generate and edit images using generative AI.
- Genmoji: Users can now create emojis through natural language prompts or by using pictures of real people.
- Writing Tools: This feature offers AI-powered rewriting, proofreading, and text summarization across various apps.
- Siri gets ChatGPT: This integration aims to make Siri more flexible and capable of addressing natural language queries.
The beta also introduces new camera controls that allow you to focus with one press and take the shot with another. It’s designed to mimic the experience of using an analog camera, but we’ll see if it’s as intuitive on a smartphone.
A notable update to Find My lets users share the location of lost items via a link that can be accessed on any device. The Mail app gets a refresh too, incorporating category tabs similar to Gmail. Additionally, various new settings and user interface tweaks invite exploration.
While these AI offerings are comparable to what competitors provide, it will be interesting to see if Siri’s existing user base embraces the idea of personalized AI voice commands. However, Apple acknowledges in the iOS 18.2 release notes that using ChatGPT to generate images with the Writing Tools may not function perfectly, and devices might require a reboot after downloading the beta for the Messages app to update correctly.
In other news, 9to5Mac highlighted a promising feature called Battery Intelligence. It estimates the charging time for your phone battery. This could ease the hassle of battery anxiety while traveling or during long days out. However, it seems this feature might not make it to the current beta or the final release.
The iOS 18.2 beta also showcases upcoming changes for compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Developers will gain the option to offer iOS and iPadOS apps through alternative app stores, letting users select their preferred marketplaces and transaction apps. Apple is vocal about its concerns, arguing that these changes could lead to increased risks for malware and fraud while the EU insists that Apple’s ecosystem restricts competition.
If you’re eager to try out the iOS 18.2 beta, you’ll need to enroll in the free Apple Beta Software Program. Keep in mind that using the generative AI features requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
