Apple has released the third beta versions of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, along with the second betas of watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod Software 18.2. These builds, now available to developers and beta testers, introduce expanded AI capabilities as Apple enhances its Apple Intelligence ecosystem. We’ll keep you updated as new features become available to the public.
The Image Playground tool, a standout addition, alows users to generate images from text prompts, using preset options or custom descriptions (e.g., clothing styles or scenic locations). Users can also create digital avatars resembling friends or family by uploading their photos. Image Playground includes features like preview, undo, and integration with the Messages app, though it doesn’t support photorealistic image generation and is limited to animations or illustrations.
Another feature, Image Wand, is integrated into the Notes app on iPads. It recognizes rough sketches and transforms them into high-quality illustrations when users trace around their drawings with a finger or Apple Pencil.
Enhanced Emoji, Siri, and Visual Tools
In iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, the Genmoji emoji generator uses AI to create custom emojis based on text descriptions, even allowing users to model emojis after people from the Photos app. Genmoji is currently exclusive to these operating systems but will eventually be available on macOS Sequoia.
Apple has also refined Siri by allowing limited integration with ChatGPT. If Siri cannot answer a question, it may pass the query to ChatGPT, with user permission, for a response. The integration is designed for generating both text and image content without requiring a separate account. Apple and OpenAI do not store user queries.
Additionally, iPhone 16 users can now utilize Visual Intelligence, a feature that identifies objects and provides contextual information via the camera. By pointing the camera at, for instance, a restaurant, users can view its hours and reviews. Visual Intelligence also supports reading text aloud, copying contact info, and performing Google searches or ChatGPT queries for further details.
Text Processing, Beta Access, and Device Requirements
iOS 18.2 extends text customization options introduced in iOS 18.1. Users can now adjust email tone, choose more descriptive language, or even convert their text into a poem. Apple has also expanded language support to include regional variations of English from the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Beta testers automatically gain access to new features, including Visual Intelligence and ChatGPT integration, though Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand require opt-in. Image generation features are expected to be available soon.
These updates are compatible with a wide range of Apple devices. However, using Apple Intelligence features requires an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16, an iPad with an M-series or A17 Pro chip, or a Mac with an M-series chip, notes NIX Solutions.
In tvOS 18.2, Apple has added support for 21:9 aspect ratio projectors, allowing Apple TV to automatically adjust to the ideal display setting from available options (16:9, 21:9, 2.37:1, and others).