Next wave of Apple Intelligence: Apple releases iOS 18.2 beta with ChatGPT integration and more AI features

Before a stable version of iOS 18.1 could enter the market, Apple has released the first beta phase of iOS 18.2. Let's find out what is new.

In Short

• Apple releases iOS 18.2 beta with new AI features.
• Siri now integrates with ChatGPT for enhanced responses
• iOS 18.2 is expected to arrive in December 2024

While we all wait for the first steps of Apple Intelligence, Apple has released the iOS 18.2 beta phase. iOS 18.1 is expected to arrive this month. However, the company has not announced the launch date yet. The speculations are that the first wave of Apple Intelligence will integrate to selected iPhones on October 28. Being said that, Apple has hinted that it is dedicated to bring the next AI wave. The rumour has it that the stable version of iOS 18.2 will be released to all in December this year.

The first developer beta of iOS 18.2, released on Wednesday, introduces features such as the ability to create emojis using Genmoji and generate images with Image Playground. It also enhances AI writing capabilities, integrates with ChatGPT, and includes Visual Intelligence for camera-based searches on iPhone 16 models, among other updates. This release also means that the AI-powered features are now expanding to more regions. Let's look at the Apple Intelligence features the iOS 18.2 brings.

iOS 18.2 beta: Apple Intelligence

Siri ChatGPT: Siri can now pass requests to ChatGPT, a fully optional feature that doesn’t require an account. You can allow Siri to send requests to ChatGPT without needing permission each time, enabling it to provide more detailed information and generate images and text. It also supports on-screen responses, so you can ask questions about images you’re viewing.

Visual Intelligence: Available on iPhone 16, this feature identifies objects and locations. By long-pressing the Camera Control button and pointing your phone, you can access details like hours and reviews for restaurants, copy or read text aloud, search items on Google, and ask ChatGPT about objects.

Genmoji: With Genmoji, users can create custom emojis. While those on iOS 18.1 can view Genmoji and learn about them, emoji creation is exclusive to iOS 18.2. In older versions, they appear only as images.

Writing Tools: The Rewrite Writing Tools feature has expanded beyond three styles, allowing users to specify the tone or content they want, such as using more dynamic language or converting an email into a poem.

Image Playground: This app allows users to create stylised images based on prompts and photos of friends, with integration in Messages.

Image Wand: This feature lets you add images to notes in the Notes app. On iPad, using Apple Pencil, you can sketch roughly, and Image Wand will enhance it into a polished image.

Languages: iOS 18.2 expands Apple Intelligence support to English users in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK, eliminating the need for Canadians to switch their iPhones to US English for functionality.

iOS 18.2 beta: There is more

iOS 18.2 beta phase 1 is not only Apple Intelligence features, there is more to make iPhones even better. For instance, in the Mail app, there are new built-in categories for separating out important emails, deals, newsletters, transaction emails, and more. The Mail app now features larger images for contacts and businesses, and it organises all emails from a single sender into a consolidated view.

Apple's Control Center update introduces a Type to Siri quick access option, streamlining interactions. Notably, the Satellite connectivity control has been removed, and the Adaptive Audio icon has been redesigned. These changes enhance user experience and simplify connectivity management.

In the Sound and Haptics section of the Settings app, there's a new Volume Limit option with a "Limit Maximum Volume" toggle that allows users to control the maximum volume of audio playback for songs, movies, and other media. This setting does not affect phone calls, FaceTime calls, alarms, or other sounds.