These 5 iOS 18.2 options make me genuinely excited for Apple Intelligence

Apple might have launched its large iOS 18 characteristic replace again in September, however the firm continues to be exhausting at work relating to bettering the software program facet of the iPhone. One construct after one other, Apple is testing and pushing out comparatively main 18.x firmware variations. The rationale for this comes down primarily to Apple Intelligence — the suite of AI instruments and options solely obtainable on the iPhone 16 series and on final yr’s iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max fashions.

The following main model of iOS 18 — iOS 18.2 — is anticipated to reach someday in December. This software program replace is currently being beta tested by Apple, and brings with it a seize bag of AI-powered Apple Intelligence options. Listed below are 5 additions that I am personally wanting ahead to making an attempt out for myself on launch day, together with one main non-AI-based enchancment.

1 System-level ChatGPT integration

The ever-popular AI system will quickly be baked into iOS at a deeper degree

The ChatGPT app on iOS is pretty great — OpenAI burst onto the scene with its massive language mannequin (LLM) AI chatbot, and it is continuing to improve on a gradual foundation. With iOS 18.2, Apple is working with OpenAI to combine the corporate’s spectacular AI database into the iPhone at a deeper degree.

As soon as up to date, you can ask Siri to faucet into ChatGPT for superior search queries, and even use your voice to bypass Siri solely by dictating: “Hey Siri, ask Chat GPT.” Open AI’s system shall be opt-in, and it will not require a separate account to function.

Associated

I replaced Siri with ChatGPT Voice, and now you can too

Kick Siri to the curb and change her with ChatGPT’s extra superior voice mannequin.

Genmoji, Picture Playground, and Picture Wand are all on the best way

Apple / Pocket-lint

Maybe the Apple Intelligence options with essentially the most mindshare are these associated to picture creation. Particularly, iOS 18.2 introduces Genmoji, Picture Playground, and Picture Wand to the platform. Genmoji lets you generate your personal distinct emoji textual content prompts, and Picture Playground does a lot the identical factor however for pictures. Picture Wand lets you reimagine tough sketches just by circling them on display screen.

None of those generative AI options are issues we’ve not seen earlier than on rival software program platforms, but it surely’s thrilling to see them arrive on iOS nonetheless. Maybe Genmojis will turn into a texting mainstay within the years to come back, or maybe they will fizzle out in the identical method as Memojis.

Associated

Apple is purposefully hindering Apple Intelligence, and for good reason

With AI picture enhancing instruments beginning to turn into obtainable, Apple is anxious about AI turning pictures into fantasy and is being cautious.

3 Visible Intelligence

A Google Lens-esque software that makes the iPhone 16’s Digital camera Management extra helpful

Apple

iOS 18.2 will usher in an AI software known as Visible Intelligence, which shall be solely obtainable on iPhones with a Camera Control button. In different phrases, the iPhone 16 series obtain the characteristic, whereas the older iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will not be.

Visible Intelligence is much like Google Lens, in that it allows you to level your iPhone digital camera at a real-world object or location to obtain contextually related info and search outcomes. It will be attainable to look Google for outcomes or to immediate ChatGPT for deeper inquiries.

Associated

The first Apple Intelligence features are here, but what do they actually do?

iOS 18.1 lastly brings Apple Intelligence to the iPhone. Here is what’s new.

4 A a lot improved Mail app

E mail categorization will make the default iOS Mail app a much more organized expertise

Pocket-lint

Apple’s default iOS Mail app has all the time been dependable sufficient, however I definitely would not describe it as feature-rich. With the 18.2 replace, the app will get a notable redesign that organizes your inbox in an identical method to some competing mail clients. Incoming mail threads shall be siphoned off into one of many following classes: orders, transactions, promotions, newsletters, social notifications, and offers.

Mail’s interface can also be receiving a minor facelift. For the primary time, every mail thread will characteristic a left-justified profile picture, making the expertise feel and appear extra just like the Messages app. Fortunately, it will be attainable to show off these adjustments, which is likely to be helpful if the AI-based sorting is not correct sufficient on day one.

Associated

Best email apps: Achieve inbox zero

E mail. Ugh. Simply seeing that phrase can deliver a wave of stress upon us like nothing else.

5 A Default Apps part inside Settings

A consumer-friendly addition that is lengthy overdue

Past Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.2 is ready to incorporate one significantly noteworthy enhancement over earlier variations of iOS: a devoted Default Apps part throughout the Settings app. To entry it, launch Settings > Apps > Default Apps. The principle web page serves as a central location for altering the next defaults: e mail, messaging, calling, name filtering, browser app, passwords & codes, and keyboards.

I have been clamoring for ages for a devoted part inside Settings for altering defaults. This characteristic is an Android staple, and I do know I am not the one one excited to see it lastly arrive on the iPhone.

Associated

App Store reportedly getting an AI upgrade very soon

Apple is seeking to increase AI to the App Retailer too, with a brand new characteristic that can use AI to summarize app evaluations.