The release candidate version of iOS 18.2 has been released, and Apple is preparing for the full public release of the software. Here's everything you need to know about the update and its features.On Thursday, two weeks after the fourth developer beta was released, Apple deployed a release candidate build of iOS 18.2. Although the update can be installed on devices such as iPhoneXR and iPhoneXS, the various features included in the software are only available for the iPhone15Pro, iPhone15ProMax and iPhone16 series.
Apple Intelligence enables the application of generative AI software in text editing, proofreading, summarization, and pitch adjustment. These features are available system-wide through a dedicated writing tools framework on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and iOS 18.2 will bring even more AI-driven features.
The software extends the existing functionality of the writing tool originally launched with iOS 18.1. The iOS 18.2 update delivers many new Apple Intelligence features related to image generation, as well as various other improvements.
iOS 18.2 brings ChatGPT to writing tools and Siri
Starting with iOS 18.2, Siri can forward questions and requests to ChatGPT. OpenAI's software also provides support for new text synthesis features in writing tools. This means users can ask ChatGPT to generate text or answer questions directly from iOS without having to use a third-party app or website.
ChatGPT integration was introduced with user privacy in mind as all requests are sent anonymously. A ChatGPT account is not required to use basic functions, and users can use these functions for free at any time.
However, advanced ChatGPT features are only available to a limited extent. As part of the iOS 18.2 update, users will be able to see if they have exceeded the daily limit for ChatGPT premium features.
Once the premium feature limit is exceeded, additional requests will be sent to the basic version of ChatGPT for up to 24 hours. Now, users who want more features can upgrade to ChatGPTPlus directly from the Settings app for $19.99 per month. Siri gains the ability to get real-time information through ChatGPTPlus, and the virtual assistant can also share screenshots through ChatGPT.
It is worth noting that ChatGPT integration is only available for devices that already support Apple Intelligence, such as the iPhone 16 series. In the iOS 18.2 update, Apple also added new settings for these devices.
iOS 18.2 enables visual intelligence on iPhone 16 series
iOS 18.2 introduces various settings for camera control, which debuted in the iPhone 16 series. The camera control is a completely new hardware component, a button with a capacitive surface and a force sensor. This button can be used in conjunction with the Apple Intelligence system through a new feature called "Visual Intelligence" (Visual Intelligence).
With Vision Intelligence, users can tap and hold the camera control button while pointing iPhone 16 at an object or location of interest. This, in turn, provides users with useful information through Apple's AI-generated software.
For example, users can point their device at a restaurant and get details like its rating or hours. Likewise, it's possible to add calendar events from flyers or identify dogs based on breed.
More camera control settings for iPhone 16 users
There are also new settings in iOS 18.2 related to camera controls and their functionality. Users can now adjust the double-click speed of camera controls. In addition to the Default option, the double-click speed can also be set to Slow or Slower.
The software update also adds a new AE/AFLock option to lock exposure and focus when taking photos. Camera controls can be configured to toggle AE/AF lock with a single tap. This means that even when the iPhone is moved side to side, the exposure remains consistent and the image does not darken.
Apple has added a new custom option that lets you open the Camera app even when the screen is off. In Settings>DisplayandBrightness, there is now an option called RequireScreenOn, which is enabled by default. When this option is disabled, you can activate the camera app through the camera controls even if the device's display is currently off.
Apple ImagePlayground-a new system-wide AI image generation tool
iOS 18.2 introduces Image Playground, a new system app that allows users to create images through artificial intelligence.
In the ImagePlayground app, users can write a description of the image they want to see and then let artificial intelligence generate the image. This can be an image of a person they know, a landscape, an object or anything in between. However, the software has safeguards in place so it cannot create images of copyrighted characters or inappropriate content.
Images are created in two styles: animation and illustration. Content created in ImagePlayground will never be too realistic in any way. Apple also ensures that all images generated with the app are labeled with the real image, so they cannot be mistaken for real-world photos.
ImagePlayground allows you to generate images with a resolution of 1024x1024. These pictures are saved locally and can be shared on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac like other photos. A similar feature called ImageWand lets users create images based on text found in the Notes app. Typed or handwritten text can be turned into images through artificial intelligence.
ImagePlayground integrates with system applications such as Freeform, Keynote, Messages, and Pages, as well as third-party applications. Through it, users can create so-called Genmojis as well as other types of images.
Create custom "Genmoji" with Apple Intelligence on iOS 18.2
With iOS 18.2, users can create unique emojis directly on the iOS keyboard. Known as Genmoji, these custom emojis sync via iCloud and appear in the user's sticker drawer on all compatible devices.
Users simply describe the emoji they want to create, such as one based on an object or an acquaintance, and the Apple Intelligence system will bring it to life. Genmoji can be created using a source image from the Photos app, or a generic emoji person can be used instead.
Genmoji don't necessarily have to be people, though, as they can be composed of a variety of objects, both real and imaginary, and it all depends on the creativity of the end user.
On-device email sorting available in Mail app
The Mail app gets a major update in iOS 18.2, as Apple's built-in Email app can now sort emails into predefined categories. Mail classification was one of the major improvements previewed at WWDC2024, and now it’s finally implemented.
Through machine learning, the built-in Mail app can classify emails into the following categories:
Primary--Shows time-sensitive information, emails from people the user may know, and other important information
Transactions--Email categories for receipts and order confirmations
Updates - Includes newsletters and social media notifications
Promotional – for marketing and sales related emails
The Mail app now has a new summary view that displays all emails from a specific company, making interacting with them much easier.
With a summary view, users can get flight information for a specific company and more. Users can also adjust the categories of messages displayed to senders. There are also new options for app badges, allowing users to choose whether to display only the main unread messages or all unread messages.
While Apple Intelligence and its related features are undoubtedly a major component of the iOS 18.2 update, the software also contains various improvements that have nothing to do with artificial intelligence. Specifically, iOS 18.2 includes new features such as FindMy and Photos.
FindMy now lets you share the location of your lost AirTags
FindMy has received a major update in iOS 18.2, with the software now letting users share the location of their lost items with people they trust.
When an AirTag or other item is lost, users can choose to share the item's location with a trusted individual or even an airline, making it easier to retrieve the lost item. This is especially useful for lost luggage, although in some cases FindMy-equipped devices have also helped authorities locate stolen vehicles.
The location of the lost item is shared as a link. For a limited time, the recipient of the link can see the AirTag's location, serial number, and the user's Apple account email or phone number. Once an item is found or the item location link expires, location sharing will automatically stop.
AirPods Pro 2 hearing health features now available in more countries
iOS 18.2 also expands the availability of hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds. Specifically, the hearing test feature is now available in Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, clinical-grade hearing aid features have been launched in the United Arab Emirates.
The HearingHealth feature was originally launched in the United States with the iOS 18.1 update after receiving FDA approval in September 2024. On AirPods Pro 2, these features allow users to test their own hearing or use the device as a hearing aid if they have mild to moderate hearing loss.
However, it is worth noting that AirPodsPro2 needs to run 7B19 or newer firmware to achieve these functions. These features will not be available in countries or regions where approval has not yet been obtained.
Other changes in the iOS 18.2 update
The operating system has also fine-tuned video playback in the Photos app. Videos no longer automatically zoom in when starting playback. Users can also choose to browse the video frame by frame and disable the automatic looping feature of the video playback.
On the iPad side, iPadOS 18.2 introduces a noteworthy change to the Apple TV app. The tab bar within the app is customizable, and items from the sidebar can now be added to the tab bar.
Some system apps and features have also received minor updates:
Apple Music and Apple TV - New organic search features make it easier for users to search for content by actor, decade, genre, mood and more.
FaceID - When trusting a computer via iPhone, FaceID can now be used to authenticate instead of the user's password.
iPhone Mirroring - Users can mirror the iPhone screen even when the Mac is using the iPhone as a personal hotspot.
Podcasts - Added collection category options and personalized search page.
Note - Added "Create Picture" button, which will be displayed when text is selected.
Safari - New background image for the Safari start page, and real-time activity for file downloads.
Shortcuts - Three new shortcuts related to the fitness app.
Stocks - Pre-Market Quotes allows users to track Nasdaq and NYSE stock quotes before the market opens
Voice Memos - Supports layered recording, which can be used to add vocals to song ideas and more.
Miscellaneous - Web content filters are now automatically enabled for minors in Utah.
While there are some noteworthy improvements on this list, the vast majority build on existing apps and their functionality. The software also contains some minor bug fixes, detailed in Apple's release notes.
visionOS2.2 brings widescreen and ultrawidescreen views to Mac virtual displays, and watchOS11.2 adds a pause button
On the other hand, visionOS2.2 has made significant improvements to the Mac virtual display function. While Apple Vision Pro has always been available as an external monitor for your Mac, it now adds two new display modes: ultrawide and widescreen. According to Apple, the new Ultrawide setup is equivalent to connecting two 4K monitors to a Mac and using them side by side.
Apple has also made it possible to watch multiple sports games simultaneously on Apple Vision Pro. With visionOS 2.2, users can now watch up to 5 MLB or MLS games simultaneously with an AppleTV+ subscription. Although you can't watch other sports games yet, Apple has added SharePlay integration in visionOS 2.2 so that headset users can watch games together.
On Apple Watch, watchOS 11.2 introduces a new pause button for the camera remote app. This means it's now possible to pause videos recorded on your iPhone via a new button on the left side of the screen via the CameraRemote app on your Apple Watch.
However, the Apple Vision Pro and Apple Watch platforms still lack Apple Intelligence (Apple Intelligence) capabilities, which means their users cannot take advantage of the various artificial intelligence capabilities found on other Apple platforms.
iOS 18.2 is expected to be released in early December 2024, when features such as Image Playground and Visual Intelligence will be available to all users.