The wait for iOS 18.2 is over. Following the rollout of its first set of Apple Intelligence features, the Cupertino giant has expanded on its AI-powered offerings, including ChatGPT integration, Image Playground, Genmoji, Voice Memos Layered Recording, and more. As part of a bigger release, iPad and Mac devices have also been updated to iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 respectively.
Users can now tap into ChatGPT with Siri and Writing Tools to generate content for any written text and use the software’s text-to-image capabilities to add images directly into the document. A ChatGPT account isn’t required by default, and individuals are given full control over information-sharing and permission settings.
While available as a brand-new dedicated app, Image Playground is integrated into Messages, Freeform, Keynote, and more. It creates images in distinct styles, from Animation, which leans into a 3D-animated look, to Illustration, featuring simple shapes, clear lines, and colourblocking. Additionally, users will be able to generate visuals from prompts or make one based on Apple’s suggestions.
To use Genmoji, simply type a description into the emoji keyboard and choose from multiple options. The tool supports customisation and can be added inline to messages or shared as a sticker and reaction in a Tapback, with the option to create a design inspired by loved ones.
Layered Recording in Voice Memos is more of a niche feature than most, but should prove handy for musicians, singers, and performers. Powered by the A18 Pro chip on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, the app allows for layered tracks on top of an existing instrumental recording without the need for headphones.
What this means is that users can play their original instrument ideas through the iPhone speaker and record their vocals through the microphones simultaneously, with the app’s two individual tracks offering additional mixing and production options in professional software like Logic Pro. More importantly, Layered Recordings are synced across devices and available on Mac to drag-and-drop in a Logic session.
Other notable iOS 18.2 features include Visual Intelligence via Camera Control, Image Wand on Notes, the ability to share AirTag locations with a link, and more. Acting as a Google Lens of sorts, the visual intelligence experience offers information about objects and places instantly and can summarise and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, and more. Meanwhile, Image Wand lets users create images using written or visual context captured within their notes.
Apple Intelligence is now available as a free software update with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2. For a more detailed breakdown, check out the official announcement post on Apple’s website.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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