A few minutes ago We were talking to you about the rapid movement Apple had yesterday by releasing beta 1 for developers of iOS 18.2. This is the next major version that will be released before the end of the year as confirmed by sources from the Big Apple in recent weeks. The first impressions about this new batch of betas show A significant step forward in the implementation of new Apple Intelligence features and the long awaited ChatGPT integration with the iOS 18 ecosystem and Siri in particular. In addition, Apple has also wanted to launch more new features for those regions where Apple Intelligence has not yet seen the light, such as in the European Union. We will tell you everything below.
Apple Intelligence reigns supreme among the new features of iOS 1 beta 18.2
Without a doubt the biggest new feature of iOS 18.2 in its beta 1 for developers is the evolution of Apple Intelligence. Before we start with the main new features, it is important to emphasize that iOS 18.2 will expand all its functions to more regions, especially for English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Once this detail has been discussed, we will go on to detail the new features. Top new features in iOS 18.2 around Apple Intelligence:
- ChatGPT Integration: Apple already announced at WWDC24 that Apple Intelligence was not yet powerful enough to design a service like ChatGPT, so an agreement was reached with OpenAI to use its GPT-4o language model to integrate it into its entire artificial intelligence ecosystem. And Apple will launch this integration with iOS 18.2. It is not necessary to have an active OpenAI account to use the tool and Anything we send to Siri that doesn't get resolved, we can send to ChatGPT for an answer. It's something that's working really well and is offering the possibility of leaving Siri aside. Another of the functions is ask ChatGPT questions about items on the screen, allowing a high level of interaction.
- Genmoji: This is certainly another of the main attractions of Apple Intelligence and Apple already hinted at WWDC24 that this was going to be a very interesting feature. It allows the user to create personalized emojis through small prompts. For example: "make me an emoji in which we see a cat eating a pizza" or "an astronaut on top of a dinosaur." These emojis They will be viewable in iOS 18.1 but can only be created in iOS 18.2.
- Image Playground: Following the artificial intelligence focused on image generation is also Image Playground. It is an app that allows you to create personalized images through small prompts and elements that are added: scenarios, people, images, etc. Linked to this app is also Image Wand, which allows you to add images within the Notes app. If you're on an iPad, you'll create more stylized images through sketches.
- Visual Intelligence: is another of the great features that were expected for iOS 18.2 and it's here. The drawback? That they are only available for the iPhone 16 since it requires more power. This function allows you to identify objects and places directly from the camera: detection of animals, flowers, monuments and a long etcetera in real time. In addition, the integration of this tool with ChatGPT allows you to complete the experience.
- writing tools: Finally, some of the writing tools we'll see in iOS 18.1 have been refined by adding three more styles to those that already existed before.
More changes but less attractive
As we mentioned, iOS 18.2 is being released worldwide but not everyone will have Apple Intelligence so additional features need to be added to make this update meaningful outside the US and other countries where AI features are available. That's what Apple has tried to do with these small updates:
- Possibility to delete default apps in the EU: Following EU guidelines regarding the Digital Markets Act, EU users will be able to delete the App Store apps Safari, Messages, Camera and Photos. Linked to this, Apple has added a section Default applications within the Applications section of the Settings that allows you to configure which apps are default for each of the tasks: mail, app store, calls, etc.
- Control center: An additional shortcut has been added for Write to Siri, which allows you to write directly without having to summon it with your voice or speak it directly. In addition, Apple has removed the Satellite control from the Connectivity section in iOS 18.2 and the Adaptive Audio layout has been modified.
- Sleep Apneas in Canada: If you have an Apple Watch that supports sleep apnea detection and live in Canada, you can now use this feature if you have iOS 18.2 installed.
- Mail Application: Within the redesign of iOS 18 for the Mail application, Apple has wanted to add new categories in iOS 18.2: important emails, transactions, offers, newsletters, and more.
- Voice Notes: In Apple's attempt to make the Voice Memos app more functional, Apple has added a feature that allows you to overlay two voice memos, separate the voice memo into layers, and edit mixes of these layers. A little GarageBand without the need to install this app.
More news will appear as the hours go by. But the most important thing is the quality and functionality advancement around Apple Intelligence. First impressions around ChatGPT integration seem to be the most important thing in this iOS 1 beta 18.2.
