Apple has just released the second beta of iOS 18.2, introducing groundbreaking Apple Intelligence features that enhance user experience across communication, creativity, and productivity. With upgrades like ChatGPT integration for Siri, custom emoji creation through Genmoji, and the all-new Image Playground app, iOS 18.2 beta 2 delivers a fresh take on digital interactions. Here’s a deep dive into these features and how to access them.

Key Points

Siri’s ChatGPT Integration: Access ChatGPT responses through Siri for more comprehensive answers.

Genmoji: Create customized emojis with Apple Intelligence in the Messages app.

Image Playground: Generate animated images based on descriptions or existing photos.

Image Wand: Design AI-generated images directly within notes.

Visual Intelligence: Gain insights and summaries using the iOS camera app.

Writing Tools: Adjust text tone and structure for tailored communication

ChatGPT Integration with Siri

One of the most anticipated additions, the ChatGPT upgrade to Siri, allows users to enable ChatGPT responses directly through Siri when it struggles to provide adequate answers.

How It Works:

Permission-Based Access: Siri will ask for permission to tap into ChatGPT, displaying answers marked with a distinct blue-colored “ChatGPT” label.

Privacy Options: You can use ChatGPT with or without logging in. If you’re not logged in, your interactions remain private. Logging in, however, enables cross-device access to your chat history, though OpenAI’s data policies will apply.

Daily Usage Limits: The ChatGPT settings in iOS now allow you to monitor your daily usage. If you reach the limit, iOS will prompt you to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20/month (approximately ₹1,682).

Apple is also rumored to be exploring a similar extension with Google’s Gemini AI, potentially adding Gemini to iOS as an alternative option for more advanced AI responses.

Genmoji: Custom Emoji Creation

The new Genmoji feature integrates generative AI with emojis, allowing users to design unique emojis based on descriptions. This tool is available within the default iOS keyboard and the Messages app.

Steps to Create a Genmoji:

Open the Messages App: Go to any message thread.

Access the Emoji Section: Tap the emoji icon and look for the colored smiley icon with a plus sign labeled “Describe an Emoji.”

Type Your Description: Input a prompt describing the desired emoji.

Generate and Customize: Tap “Create new emoji,” and within seconds, iOS will generate a variety of emoji options.

Select and Send: Browse through the generated emojis, select your favorite, and hit “Add” to share it in your message.

Genmoji can create personalized emojis that reflect friends, family members, celebrities, or even customizable character-based designs.

Image Playground: Bringing AI to Visual Creation

Image Playground is a new standalone app that arrives pre-installed with iOS 18.2 beta 2. Integrated within the Messages app, this feature generates animated images based on descriptions or existing photos in your People album.

Key Highlights:

Text-Based Image Generation: Describe the image you want, and Apple Intelligence creates an animated version.

Photo-Based Creations: Use existing photos in your People album or import images for an AI-generated animated twist.

Customization Options: You can prompt further modifications, undo changes, or apply suggestions from Apple Intelligence.

Image Wand: Enhance Your Notes with AI-Generated Images

Image Wand, a feature linked to Image Playground, lets you create images within your notes based on sketches or text prompts, helping bring a unique, visual aspect to your notetaking.

Visual Intelligence: AI-Powered Insights from Your Camera

Visual Intelligence integrates AI capabilities directly with the iOS camera app. When you point the camera at text or an object, it can extract information, summarize details, and even leverage ChatGPT for enhanced explanations.

Writing Tools: Personalize Your Text’s Tone and Structure

The new Writing Tools feature in iOS 18.2 beta 2 allows users to adjust text tone and structure, adding flexibility for different types of communication—from formal to casual tones.

Availability and Expected Launch

iOS 18.2 beta 2 is currently available for developers, who can test it before the full release. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests the stable version of iOS 18.2 could be available to all users in early December.

Features and Specifications

Siri & ChatGPT: Optional ChatGPT Plus subscription for unlimited usage.

Genmoji: AI-driven, customizable emoji creation tool.

Image Playground: Separate app for creating images based on prompts or photos.

Image Wand: Interactive drawing-to-image feature within Notes.

Visual Intelligence: Enhanced object and text recognition through the camera.

Writing Tools: Dynamic text modification options for tone and structure.

Pricing and Availability

Subscription Costs: ChatGPT Plus is available for $20/month (₹1,682).

Release Timeline: The beta version is for developers, with the public release expected in early December.

Conclusion

With iOS 18.2 beta 2, Apple combines powerful AI capabilities with a user-friendly interface, empowering users to create, communicate, and manage information in new, engaging ways. The update brings a suite of Apple Intelligence features that take Siri, messaging, and image creation to the next level, setting a high bar for AI-driven experiences in mobile operating systems.