• Apple’s iOS 18.2 update is expected to arrive this week with new AI features and improvements.
• The previous Release Candidate version included ChatGPT integration, Genmojis and Image Playground.
• The new features will be available for iPhone 16 models as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

If you shrugged at Apple’s initial AI features, the next batch could prove to be a more useful update.

Apple’s iOS 18.2 release candidate version was released on Thursday, offering a first look at what’s in store for users in the coming days.

Apple’s AI software, Apple Intelligence, introduced its first features on October 28th. The upgrade included a revamped Siri, AI writing tools, Smart Replies, an updated Photos app, and a new Focus mode called Reduce Interruptions.

It was just a fraction of the eye-catching AI features Apple showed off at its trade show Worldwide developer conference Earlier this year, the company decided to do a staggered rollout. This second wave of features will be followed by more features next year.

So what can you expect when you update to iOS 18.2 later this week?

Expected features in the December update include tools like Genmojis and Image Playground, among others. Like previous Apple Intelligence features, the latest AI features will be available on all iPhone 16 models as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

ChatGPT integration

Siri received some improvements in the iOS 18.1 update, but the iOS 18.2 update will further improve the voice assistant and provide integrated access to ChatGPT. With iOS 18.2, users have access to the popular OpenAI chatbot via Siri and can access the tool by speaking or tapping the voice assistant.

Visual intelligence

The new update also allows iPhone 16 users to collect information by pointing their device at an object.

The tool is similar to Google Lens, which performs reverse image search and helps identify landmarks, plants and other objects or locations.

Genmojis

For those who prefer communicating with emojis rather than the written word, Genmojis could be a game-changer.

The new update allows users to make their messages more playful and interactive by creating custom emojis directly from the keyboard and animated Genmojis of themselves, similar to Bitmoji.

Picture playground

Apple’s Image Playground is the answer to popular AI image generators such as Dall-E or Midjourney from OpenAI. The tool was first introduced at Apple’s WWDC conference earlier this year.

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Image Playground users can create images based on a specific description or concept and choose different formats such as animations. The tool will be available as a standalone app and will also be accessible via third-party apps.

Photo updates

iOS 18.2 is expected to introduce several photo updates, including video improvements such as improvements to navigating collections and the ability to view a video in more detail, which can help when editing. Users also have the option to clear the history of their most recently viewed and recently shared album. Favorites appear in the utility and in the pinned collection.

Other updates

Apple’s Mail app is getting an AI overhaul that categorizes emails based on their priority level. The update provides access to the “Digest” view, which organizes all of a sender’s emails in one place.

Apple’s Internet browser Safari is also set to receive some changes, including new customizable home page wallpapers.

Apple is also expected to unveil Image Wand, a new tool for iPad that converts sketches and written notes in the Notes app into images.

Apple is also releasing several bug fixes and improvements with iOS 18.2, including a podcast update that allows users to select their favorite categories and receive relevant recommendations in their library.