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

Apple could have launched its huge iOS 18 characteristic replace again in September, however the firm continues to be onerous at work relating to bettering the software program aspect of the iPhone. One construct after one other, Apple is testing and pushing out comparatively main 18.x firmware variations. The explanation 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 subsequent main model of iOS 18 — iOS 18.2 — is predicted 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 trying ahead to attempting 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 giant 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’ll ask Siri to faucet into ChatGPT for superior search queries, and even use your voice to bypass Siri completely by dictating: “Hey Siri, ask Chat GPT.” Open AI’s system will likely be opt-in, and it will not require a separate account to function.

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

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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 permits you to generate your personal distinct emoji textual content prompts, and Picture Playground does a lot the identical factor however for images. Picture Wand permits you to reimagine tough sketches just by circling them on display screen.

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

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3 Visible Intelligence

A Google Lens-esque instrument that makes the iPhone 16’s Digicam Management extra helpful

Apple

iOS 18.2 will usher in an AI instrument known as Visible Intelligence, which will likely 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 just like Google Lens, in that it enables 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 potential to look Google for outcomes or to immediate ChatGPT for deeper inquiries.

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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 analogous method to some competing mail clients. Incoming mail threads will likely 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 appear and feel extra just like the Messages app. Fortunately, it’s going to be potential to show off these adjustments, which may be helpful if the AI-based sorting is not correct sufficient on day one.

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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.

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