Apple has released new beta versions for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2. The public beta came out last week, and the updates include exciting new Apple Intelligence tools for creativity and AI help.
Top Features in the New Betas
1. Image Playground
Image Playground is a new app that creates images from text prompts. You describe what you want, and the app suggests options like costumes and backgrounds. It can even get ideas from Messages or Notes. You can make characters that look like your friends or family, but the images are more like animations or drawings, not photos. Image Playground also works in Messages.
2. Image Wand
Image Wand is a tool in the Notes app on iPad. You can sketch or circle part of a note with the Apple Pencil, and Image Wand will create an illustration to match.
3. Genmoji
Genmoji lets you make custom emoji characters. You can create them to look like friends or family, using data from your Photos app. Genmoji is currently in iOS and iPadOS 18.2, with macOS support coming soon.
4. Siri and ChatGPT Integration
Siri can now use ChatGPT for harder questions. If Siri doesn’t know the answer, it will ask ChatGPT. You’ll see ChatGPT’s response directly from Siri. No account is needed, and Apple and OpenAI do not save these requests.
5. Visual Intelligence
This feature, available only on iPhone 16, provides info about things around you. For example, point your camera at a restaurant, and you’ll see its hours and reviews. Visual Intelligence can also recognize text, save contact info, and let you search online for items you see.
6. Enhanced Writing Tools
Apple’s Writing Tools now allow more flexible edits. You can request specific changes, like making an email sound poetic or using more action words.
7. Expanded Language Support
Apple Intelligence now supports different types of English, including versions used in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
8. Wait List for New Features
Apple has a wait list for early access to Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand. Users will get a notification when these features are ready.
Compatibility and Device Requirements
The iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 betas work on devices that support Apple Intelligence, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, iPad with an M-series or A17 Pro chip, and Macs with an M-series chip. Apple is still improving these tools and wants feedback to make them even better before the full release.
