Apple has released the fourth betas of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 to developers and public testers, following the third beta’s release just a week ago. Additionally, the third beta of watchOS 11.2 is now available. These updates focus on advancing Apple Intelligence features across devices, offering users innovative tools to enhance creativity, productivity, and accessibility.
Highlights of Apple Intelligence Features
Image Playground
This image-generation app allows users to create visuals based on descriptions. Whether you write your own descriptions or use suggestions from Apple, the tool recommends details like outfits, locations, and objects. Recommendations are personalized using data from apps like Messages and Notes.
Image Wand
Designed for iPad Notes users, Image Wand lets you draw simple sketches or highlight phrases with the Apple Pencil. It then generates images based on these inputs, seamlessly integrating creativity into note-taking.
Genmoji
Create custom emojis with Genmoji, which uses your descriptions and data from the People album in Photos. You can collaborate with friends and family or design characters using basic elements, with multiple Genmoji options available. This feature is easily accessible via the emoji keyboard.
Siri Meets ChatGPT and More Advanced Tools
Siri and ChatGPT Integration
Siri now interacts with ChatGPT when necessary, provided the user approves. If Siri cannot answer a query, it forwards it to ChatGPT, which generates content, including text and images. No account is required for this feature, and neither Apple nor OpenAI stores your request history.
Visual Intelligence
Exclusive to iPhone 16, Visual Intelligence offers real-time information about your surroundings. Point your camera at a restaurant to see its hours and reviews or scan text to copy it, add contacts, or even purchase items. ChatGPT integration enhances these capabilities by providing detailed information on nearly anything in view.
Writing Tools
Enhanced in iOS 18.2, writing tools allow more customization. Beyond changing styles to Casual, Professional, or Simple, users can now describe specific adjustments, such as adding action verbs or transforming emails into poetry.
Localized Languages
Apple Intelligence now supports localized English variants in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. Previously, only the US version was available, reflecting Apple’s commitment to broader accessibility.
Access, Compatibility, and Release Plans
Waitlist Access
Beta testers for Apple Intelligence will automatically gain access to features like text tools, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence. However, early access to Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand requires joining an additional waitlist. Once enrolled, users will be notified when these features become available.
Compatibility Details
The new betas are limited to developers with compatible devices. iOS 18.2 features are available for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16, while iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 support iPads and Macs with A17 Pro or M-series processors.
Release Timeline
Public beta releases are expected soon, with final versions of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and visionOS 2.2 anticipated in early December, notes NIX Solutions. Apple emphasizes that the features may still have limitations as they refine them based on user feedback. We’ll keep you updated as more developments emerge.
By collecting feedback, Apple aims to ensure a polished experience for all users before the full release. The journey to integrating these features into daily use is just beginning, but the innovations in these updates signal exciting advancements ahead.