 "Exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, a new Visual Intelligence feature leverages the camera to interact with the world in real-time. From translating signs to gathering details about a nearby restaurant, this tool showcases how Apple is blending AI with everyday convenience. Image Credit: Apple")
Apple is ramping up its AI game with a fresh batch of Apple Intelligence features set to roll out with iOS 18.2. After teasing the capabilities earlier this year during its Worldwide Developers Conference, the tech giant made its initial features available in October. Now, Apple is ready to bring even more to the table with updates across iPhone, Mac, and iPad.
The upcoming release promises a bunch of creative and practical tools like Genmoji, Image Playground, and ChatGPT integration, all aimed at enhancing how users interact with their devices. From streamlined notifications to advanced photo editing and Siri enhancements, Apple Intelligence is shaping up to be the company’s bold step into a smarter, more personalised user experience.
New features incoming
Starting sometime in December, iOS 18.2 will introduce a collection of exciting Apple Intelligence tools. Leading the lineup is Genmoji, allowing users to create custom emojis from photos or even a written description. This playful feature is designed to add a personal touch to messaging and social media interactions. Meanwhile, the Image Playground tool lets users craft imaginative images, like transforming themselves into cartoon characters or generating art from descriptions.
The much-anticipated ChatGPT integration is also set to make Siri smarter and more conversational. This AI powerhouse will assist with tasks like document searches and creative writing, all while ensuring privacy remains in the user’s control. Additionally, notifications are getting a major upgrade with a prioritisation system. Important alerts, like meeting reminders or dinner reservations, will now be highlighted to keep users on track.
Exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, a new Visual Intelligence feature leverages the camera to interact with the world in real-time. From translating signs to gathering details about a nearby restaurant, this tool showcases how Apple is blending AI with everyday convenience.
Apple Intelligence: How it works
Apple Intelligence is the company’s foray into generative AI, seamlessly integrated into its ecosystem. Designed to simplify tasks like writing, communicating, and even editing, the system uses personal data to enhance functionality without compromising privacy. Users have full control over when and how their data is accessed, aligning with Apple’s long-standing focus on security.
The introduction of ChatGPT into Siri and Writing Tools marks a notable step forward. While the AI enhances functionality, it operates strictly on a permission-based system, ensuring users remain in the driver’s seat. Features like onscreen awareness are on the horizon, enabling Siri to act on contextual information, such as saving a friend’s updated contact details.
What’s available now and what’s next
For those eager to explore Apple Intelligence, several features are already live. In the Photos app, the new Clean Up tool allows users to remove unwanted background objects, making perfecting pictures effortless. Imagine erasing strangers from a beach photo or tidying up a messy background with just a tap. Additionally, users can now search their photo library by describing what they’re looking for, like “all photos with a blue house.”
Writing Tools have also debuted, offering assistance with proofreading, rewriting, and summarising content. Whether drafting a cover letter or simplifying lecture notes, this feature aims to boost productivity across devices. Notifications have been streamlined into summaries, making it easier to manage daily updates without feeling overwhelmed.
Siri has seen a subtle but meaningful refresh. Users can now interact with the assistant through typing or voice commands interchangeably. Its improved language understanding makes it more intuitive, catering to users who jump between topics mid-conversation. A revamped interface adds a glowing edge to the screen when Siri is active, making the experience more visually engaging.
Who can join the Apple Intelligence programme
Apple Intelligence is tailored for its newest devices, mainly the ones with Apple’s latest in silicon tech. The devices that will support the more advanced Apple Intelligence features with iOS 18.2 include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, M1 iPad Pro and later, M1 iPad Air M1, A17 Pro iPad Mini, M1 MacBook Air and later, M1 MacBook Pro and later, M1 iMac and later, M1 Mac Mini and later, M1 Max Mac Studio and later, and the M2 Ultra Mac Pro.
Users must be running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS 15.1 to gain access. After joining a quick waitlist via the Settings app, access is typically granted within hours.
Language and regional support are steadily expanding. While US English remains the starting point, December will see additional English support for regions like the UK, Canada, and Australia. By 2025, Apple plans to roll out support for over a dozen more languages, including French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.
Apple Intelligence is setting the stage for a smarter, more intuitive tech experience. With its focus on creativity, privacy, and seamless functionality, this latest update promises to redefine what’s possible with Apple’s ecosystem.