iOS 18.2, featuring ChatGPT, is anticipated to launch in the first week of December.
Apple has only confirmed the release month, sources suggest that the rollout may occur in the first week of December. The iOS 18.2 update is expected to introduce sophisticated features such as ChatGPT integration within Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and Visual Intelligence, along with various improvements beyond Apple Intelligence.
Apple launched the initial phase of Apple Intelligence in October with the release of iOS 18.1. This update provided users with several enhancements, including a redesigned Siri interface, new writing tools, and a cleanup feature in the Photos app. Now, Apple is set to expand its offerings with the upcoming iOS 18.2. As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company plans to unveil these new features on December 2. Although Apple has only confirmed the release month, sources suggest that the rollout may occur in the first week of December. The iOS 18.2 update is expected to introduce sophisticated features such as ChatGPT integration within Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and Visual Intelligence, along with various improvements beyond Apple Intelligence.
Gurman has indicated that the subsequent significant update following iOS 18.2 will be the rollout of iOS 18.4 in April. This update is expected to introduce several enhancements, including an upgrade to Siri that will enable the assistant to access user data and respond to inquiries based on the information displayed on their screens. However, it is essential to first examine the updates that will accompany iOS 18.2.
Genmoji: This feature resembles traditional emojis but provides greater flexibility. Unlike standard emojis constrained by Unicode, Genmoji allows users to create virtually any emoji they can envision. Apple has developed a specialized API for Genmoji, ensuring they are displayed seamlessly in any application that supports rich text on Apple devices. Users can design a Genmoji by describing their desired appearance, with the added option to make Genmoji resemble individuals from their photo library.
ChatGPT integration: Apple is collaborating with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This partnership will empower Siri to handle more complex tasks by consulting ChatGPT, such as generating images or composing text from scratch. With the Writing Tools feature, ChatGPT can create and illustrate unique content, thereby enhancing Siri's capabilities beyond its current limitations.
For instance, users could open an extensive PDF and request Siri to summarize a specific topic; Siri would then relay the request to ChatGPT to generate a comprehensive summary. Apple's objective is to position Siri as a conduit to AI tools, facilitating access to information without the need to switch between applications.
Visual Intelligence: The iPhone 16 series introduces Visual Intelligence, a feature that offers insights into your environment. For instance, when you direct the camera towards a restaurant, you will receive details such as its operating hours and customer reviews.
Additionally, Visual Intelligence enables you to have text read aloud, recognize phone numbers and addresses for easy addition to Contacts, copy text, and obtain summaries. You can also utilize Google to locate where to purchase specific items you observe, and by aiming the camera at an object, you can access further information through ChatGPT. Apple intends to enhance this feature with additional functionalities in the future.
Updated Writing Tools: Apple is improving the Writing Tools feature to provide greater flexibility in modifications. In iOS 18.1, users can only adjust the tone to friendly, professional, or simplified. However, with the release of iOS 18.2, users will have the ability to specify custom tone and content alterations, such as incorporating more action verbs or transforming an email into a poem.
Image Wand: Within the Notes app, the Image Wand feature allows you to generate images that enhance the content of your notes. By encircling an empty area, Image Wand creates an image based on your text. You can also draw with your finger, circle the drawing with the tool, and receive a related image. On the iPad, using the Apple Pencil for sketching enables Image Wand to produce an appropriate image based on your drawing.
Image Playground: Image Playground is a newly developed application designed to assist you in creating images from your concepts. Similar to ChatGPT, you can generate images by entering a prompt, with suggested categories such as themes, locations, and costumes to inspire creativity. The app emphasizes stylized content, resulting in images that are not realistic and can be produced in Animation or Illustration styles.
Furthermore, you can include likenesses of friends and family by selecting images directly from your Photos app. While Image Playground functions as an independent application, it can also be integrated with other apps like Notes and Messages, and even incorporated into third-party applications.