Apple has released the first beta versions of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 to developers, introducing a suite of innovative features powered by artificial intelligence. This update marks a significant leap forward in Apple's AI capabilities, offering users new ways to interact with their devices and create content.
Genmoji: Personalized Emoji Creation
One of the standout features in this beta release is Genmoji, a tool that allows users to generate custom emoji characters based on descriptions or even photos of friends and family. This feature integrates seamlessly with the emoji keyboard, providing a fun and personalized way to express oneself in messages.
Image Playground: AI-Powered Image Generation
Image Playground brings AI image generation to Apple devices. Users can create images by describing what they want or using built-in suggestions. The app can draw inspiration from Messages threads or Notes content, making it a versatile tool for creative expression. While it doesn't produce photorealistic images, it excels in creating animated or illustrated styles.
Siri Gets Smarter with ChatGPT Integration
Apple is enhancing Siri's capabilities by integrating ChatGPT. When Siri encounters a query it can't answer, it can now hand off the request to ChatGPT, with user approval. This integration allows for more comprehensive responses and even the creation of text and images from scratch.
Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16 Users
iPhone 16 users will benefit from Visual Intelligence, a feature that provides information about the user's surroundings through the camera. It can display restaurant hours, read text aloud, detect phone numbers and addresses, and even search for items seen through the camera.
Enhanced Writing Tools
The Writing Tools feature is being expanded to allow for more open-ended changes. Users can now describe specific tone or content changes they want to make, such as adding more action words or transforming an email into a poem.
Availability and Requirements
These new features are currently available in the developer beta for devices capable of running Apple Intelligence. This includes iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 models, and iPads or Macs with an A17 Pro or M-series chip. Apple plans to refine these tools based on user feedback before a wider release.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of AI integration in its devices, these new features represent an exciting step forward in making technology more intuitive and personalized for users. While still in beta, they offer a glimpse into the future of Apple's AI-driven innovations.