Apple, the tech giant based in Cupertino, has officially kicked off its October update for iOS 18. Today, developers can start accessing the iOS 18.2 Beta. This update will be available on Apple devices equipped with Apple Intelligence, and more features will be rolled out to all users in the upcoming public release. Let’s dive into the exciting Apple Intelligence features and other improvements that come with the iOS 18.2 Beta.
iOS 18.2 Beta: Apple Intelligence Features
These updates introduce the next phase of Apple’s AI with features like Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and more.
- Image Playground– Image Playground is an innovative tool from the company that generates images based on user input. You can either type in a description of the image you want or take advantage of the suggestions and ideas provided by Apple. The tool smartly offers recommendations for costumes, settings, objects, and more, drawing inspiration from your Messages conversations, or content saved in the Notes app. You can create characters that resemble your friends and family by uploading a reference photo for Image Playground to work with. Moreover, any elements you add are shown in previews, and you can easily access a history of these previews to undo any changes if needed. While it functions as a standalone app, it can also be integrated into Messages. Keep in mind that the app focuses on animation or illustration styles rather than producing photorealistic images.
- Genmoji- Genmoji are unique custom emoji characters that can be crafted based on detailed descriptions and phrases. Users have the ability to design these emojis inspired by their loved ones, drawing from the People album in their Photos. Moreover, characters can be built using basic elements, offering a wide array of Genmoji choices to pick from. You can create a Genmoji easily through the emoji keyboard. This feature is currently accessible on iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, with intentions to expand to macOS Sequoia in the near future.
- Siri ChatGPT Integration- Siri can work alongside ChatGPT to manage various requests, provided the user agrees. When Siri encounters a question it can’t answer, it will pass the request to ChatGPT. The reply from ChatGPT will then be sent back to Siri for the user to see. This collaboration enables the generation of unique content, including text and images. Plus, there’s no need for an account to use this feature.
- Image Wand-Image Wand is an exciting feature found in the Notes app on the iPad, acting as a creative canvas for users. With the Apple Pencil, you can easily draw a simple sketch or emphasize a blank space or key phrase in your notes, and Image Wand will respond by generating a relevant image to enhance your content.
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- Writing Tools- Apple is enhancing its Writing Tools feature to offer users greater flexibility in their modifications. In iOS 18.1, these tools will allow adjustments to the language style, making it friendly, professional, or simplified. With the upcoming iOS 18.2 release, users will gain the ability to fine-tune the tone or content, enabling them to incorporate more dynamic language or even convert an email into a poetic form.
- Visual Intelligence- iPhone 16 users have access to the Visual Intelligence feature, which provides valuable insights about their environment. By just opening the camera and pointing it at a restaurant menu, they can obtain comprehensive information. This feature can read text aloud, recognize phone numbers, and even copy and summarize text, along with various other functionalities.
- More Languages- Apple Intelligence has received support for English in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the UK along with US English.
iOS 18.2 Beta: Additional New Features
- Mail App Categorization- The Mail application has introduced new integrated categories to help organize important emails, promotions, newsletters, and other less significant messages. It now features larger images for contacts and businesses, ensuring that all emails from a single sender are grouped together.
- Voice Memos- Two tracks can be overlaid using Voice Memos, allowing for the separation and editing of layer mixes.
- Apple Arcade- The Apple Arcade section of the App Store has introduced a new dropdown filter menu for ‘All Games,’ along with an option to disable game previews.
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- Default Apps Section- A new Default Apps section has been introduced in the Settings menu within the Apps category. This feature allows you to manage the default applications on your iPhone.
- EU-Delete Apps- In the European Union, users now have the ability to remove essential applications such as Messages, Cameras, Photos, Safari, and the App Store.
- Volume Limit- The Sound and Haptics section of the Settings app introduces a new Volume Limit feature, which includes a ‘Limit Maximum Volume’ toggle. This allows users to regulate the maximum audio output of the iPhone speaker for media such as music and movies. It is important to note that this setting does not impact FaceTime calls, alarms, or other sound notifications.
- Sleep Apnea- Sleep Apnea Notifications are now accessible in Canada for users with a compatible Watch App.
- Safari—The Safari section of the Settings application has a new area for handling website data and browsing history. This section includes options for importing and exporting data, a tool for managing website data, and the ability to clear history.
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- Control Center- The Control Center has introduced a new quick access feature for Type to Siri. Additionally, it has eliminated Satellite control from the connectivity section and updated the icon for Adaptive Audio.
- Podcasts- You can even favorite categories in the Podcasts app using iOS 18.2.
At present, beta versions are only accessible to developers using devices that support Apple Intelligence. However, public beta releases are expected to be available soon. The company is actively working on improving Apple AI, and user feedback will be essential for its development. To participate in the iOS 18.2 Beta, users need to own either an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16. Additionally, it requires iPad OS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2.
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