Shamraiz | December 11, 2024
Apple has just issued iOS 18.2, which was released on December 11. The new update brings artificial intelligence into iPhones in a revolutionary way. Apple Intelligence introduces the user experience to ChatGPT, Genmoji, and Visual Intelligence, among other AI technologies. While some features are only accessible on the latest iPhone models, like the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup, all supported devices enjoy significant improvements to apps including Mail and Find My.
Enabling Apple Intelligence
Users must activate it themselves to unlock the power of Apple Intelligence. To access these features, including a Siri remade with ChatGPT, enhanced visual recognition, and more, navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and tap “Get Apple Intelligence.”
Siri Meets ChatGPT – The Glow-Up
The “new era” in Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is introduced by iOS 18.2, including ChatGPT for a more versatile and dynamic conversation. When activated, this comes with an added glowing light around the screen, which replaces the previous logo. ChatGPT adds richness to Siri responses, enabling detailed, conversational answers to queries, such as creating step-by-step guides or offering creative writing suggestions.
While ChatGPT’s integration is very strong, users are cautioned to verify its outputs because sometimes results can be wrong or incorrect. A disclaimer precedes each ChatGPT response, encouraging users to verify important details. Responses can be copied and shared with ease, allowing users to tap the screen to paste information into notes or messages.
Genmoji – The New Wave of Emoji Creation
For those who feel the current emoji collection is limited, Genmoji presents a creative solution. It allows the user to create emojis based on descriptions. All one has to do is type what they envision and tap on “Create New Emoji,” and then swipe through variations generated by AI until finding one they like to keep in their keyboard permanently. Genmoji elevates communication because it personalizes emojis into unique expressions.
Visual Intelligence – Apple’s Answer to Google Lens
Visual Intelligence transforms the iPhone camera into a tool for real-time identification and interaction. By pointing the camera at an object or scene, users can identify items, detect phone numbers, scan QR codes, and even translate languages. When integrated with ChatGPT, Visual Intelligence goes further, offering contextual insights about objects or scenes. Exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup, it uses the new camera control side button for one-tap access.
Image Playground – Text Prompts to Stunning Images
With Image Playground, Apple pushes generative AI to new heights. The standalone app lets users generate images from text prompts with the ability to change themes and styles and even include personal photos. Whether making dreamy artwork or fine-tuning sketches, Image Playground really shows off what’s possible with AI-generated imagery.
Enhanced Mail and Find My Apps
iOS 18.2 brings functional upgrades to everyday tools. The Mail app will now sort messages into categories, just like Gmail and Outlook, so that important emails are easy to find. Meanwhile, the Find My app enhances item recovery with features like “Share Item Location” and “Show Contact Info,” making it easier to locate lost belongings during travel or busy schedules.
Additional Features and Accessibility Enhancements
From the return of the lock screen volume slider to personalized app defaults, iOS 18.2 is focused on user convenience. The update also brings Sudoku puzzles for Apple News Plus subscribers, improved navigation in Photos, and natural language search for Apple Music and TV apps. For AirPods Pro 2 users, new hearing test features expand accessibility across multiple regions.
The Future of iPhones with AI
iOS 18.2 positions Apple as a leader in integrating AI into everyday technology, offering tools that blend functionality and creativity. With features like Siri’s ChatGPT integration, Visual Intelligence, and Genmoji, this update transforms how users interact with their iPhones. As AI continues to evolve, iOS 18.2 highlights the potential for personalized, intuitive, and dynamic experiences across Apple devices.
