Apple is bringing its artificial intelligence capabilities to the forefront with the upcoming release of iOS 18.2, alongside updates for iPadOS and macOS. The latest updates bring a variety of new features collectively known as “Apple Intelligence,” marking a significant leap forward in the use of generative AI throughout Apple devices. This represents a major advancement in the way AI will improve user experience, offering a more tailored and effective engagement with Apple’s range of products.
New Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 18.2
Apple’s latest iOS 18.2 update introduces a suite of advanced AI-driven tools under Apple Intelligence, designed to enhance creativity, productivity, and user experience. Here’s a detailed look at the new features:
Image Playground
This feature allows users to craft cartoon-style images by utilizing text prompts and a variety of pre-built themes, such as costumes, locations, and objects. Available as a standalone application and seamlessly integrated into Messages and Notes, Image Playground utilizes the context of your text to recommend images.
Users can upload photos to create fun cartoon versions or explore the People album in the Photos app. Beginning with a foundational image, individuals can fine-tune details for accurate outcomes and store preferred creations for application across various platforms.
Image Wand
With Image Wand, users can seamlessly incorporate visuals into their notes, making the experience truly unique. Users can create simple, stylized images that complement the note’s content by highlighting text or utilizing the Apple Pencil.\
Genmoji
Genmoji allows users to craft unique emoji characters simply by using text prompts. For example, you can create an image of a cat dressed in a witch costume. Genmoji primarily adds characters by default, but users have the flexibility to select generic figures or upload their custom options.
- To access, simply tap the “+” button located near the search bar on the Emoji keyboard.
- This feature is compatible with devices operating on iOS 18.1 and later; however, unsupported devices will show creations as full-sized images.
Siri ChatGPT Integration
Apple has seamlessly incorporated ChatGPT into Siri, enhancing the AI experience for users. Users can ask Siri for help with tasks like finding recipe ideas, describing images, or generating text.
To get started, go to Settings and activate ChatGPT by saying, “Ask ChatGPT…”. Siri will ask for your permission before sending queries unless you’ve turned this feature off in Settings. This is free to use, with a paid option available for saving queries.
Visual Intelligence
Exclusively for iPhone 16 models, Visual Intelligence transforms the Camera app into a powerful tool for identifying objects, places, and text. By long-pressing the Camera Control button, users can:
- Learn about nearby stores and landmarks.
- Translate or read text aloud.
- Save contact information and summarize the displayed text.
This feature also enables similar image searches via Google.
Writing Tools
The Writing Tools in iOS 18.2 introduce new customization options for tone and formatting, such as converting text into poetry. With integrated ChatGPT support, users can generate new text directly within the tool, offering enhanced creative possibilities.
Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2 signals a leap forward in AI integration, making devices more versatile while ensuring user privacy and control remain a priority.
Which devices are compatible with Apple Intelligence?
Compatibility with Apple Intelligence is primarily restricted to the latest iPhones, along with Macs and iPads that feature Apple’s M-series Silicon chips. Check out the complete list of devices compatible with Apple Intelligence.
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPad Pro: M1 and later
- iPad Air: M1 and later
- iPad Mini: A17 Pro
- MacBook Air: M1 and later
- MacBook Pro: M1 and later
- iMac: M1 and later
- Mac mini: M1 and later
- Mac Studio: M1 Max and later
- Mac Pro: M2 Ultra
What regions and languages support Apple Intelligence?
To use Apple Intelligence, make sure Siri is configured to US English, as this setting is compatible with many areas around the world. Beginning in December, enhanced English language support will be introduced in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.
Apple Intelligence is now available for users in the European Union on eligible macOS devices, with support for iPhone and iPad set to launch in April.
Apple aims to broaden its language support by 2025, incorporating Chinese, English (from India and Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and additional languages.
