Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates

Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates

December 11, 2024

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Get ready for phase two.

Apple’s latest operating system update is available today for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 updates will expand the features using Apple Intelligence on supported devices.

The first batch of Apple Intelligence features, introducing Apple-built generative models and other enhancements to existing Apple software, launched in October with the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates. Apple Intelligence was first teased at the tech company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Those who did not activate Apple Intelligence in the previous OS update will no longer need to join a waitlist. Be sure to stay connected to Wi-FI and power while the update and AI model download to your device to avoid issues with the update.

Here’s what to know about the latest update and some of the top features:

Genmoji

Genmoji, one of the Apple Intelligence features, allows users to create their own emoji. The feature can be accessed via the keyboard.

Once launched, users can describe the Genmoji they’d like to create and then select from the options Apple Intelligence generates. Genmoji can also use photos from a user’s library to create Genmoji of friends. The Genmoji can be used in messages, as stickers or as message tapbacks and will appear with other recently used emoji.

Genmoji will be available for iPhone and iPad in the current update, but will be available at a later date for Mac.

Image Playground

Image Playground, another Apple Intelligence feature, allows users to create AI images. Users can type a description, use photos from their library, or choose concepts from categories, such as costumes or themes. Images can also be created in different styles, such as illustration.

While the feature will be accessible in Messages, Image Playground will also have a standalone app on supported iPhone, Mac and iPad devices.

Image Wand, an integrated tool in Notes, allows users to use Image Playground features in the app and turn sketches into images or generate relevant visuals using context from the document.

ChatGPT integration with Siri

Siri, which was redesigned in the previous update, continues to evolve and will now include ChatGPT integration. With a user’s permission, Siri can use ChatGPT to aid with certain responses. Users can choose to enable ChatGPT integration and can adjust settings at any time around permissions. A ChatGPT account is not required to use the feature.

Additional updates and features include:

  • For devices in the iPhone 16 lineup, Visual Intelligence allows users to get information using the phone’s camera, such as summarized text or details on an object or place in front of them, using the Camera Control button.
  • Users can make custom rewrites and in Writing Tools, describe desired changes for text, such as making a party invite sound more enthusiastic.
  • In the Notes app, Compose in Writing Tools can use ChatGPT to create text.