Soon, you'll be able to create AI-generated emoji (or Genmoji as they're officially known), ask Siri to delegate more complex tasks to ChatGPT and use the redesigned Mail app.
While the first batch of AI perks was a bit annoying, the new updates are much more fun and engaging.
Here's what you need to know about iOS 18.2, including its expected release date and features.
When is iOS 18.2 release date?
The iPhone 16's new Visual Intelligence perk, which turns the phone's camera into a visual search engine, is one of several AI features available with iOS 18.2.
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iOS 18.2 has been available in beta to developers since late October and to the public since early November.
After several weeks of testing, the software update is almost ready for its big debut. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gorman, Apple could offer a release candidate as early as Tuesday, December 3rd.
This is usually the final beta version, which ends up being a public release unless any bugs are discovered, meaning an official launch is imminent.
And, with Apple's habit of releasing iOS updates on Mondays, we can conclude that iOS 18.2 will arrive on December 9.
AI-generated emojis are included in iOS 18.2.
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It is perhaps no coincidence that UK mobile network Three has also announced that it will turn on support for RCS (Rich Communication Services).
Of course, Apple could push the update to December 10th or 11th but either way it should drop next week.
What are the features in iOS 18.2?
After downloading iOS 18.2, be sure to check out the new Playground app on your iPhone that lets you create AI-generated photos, including photos based on your photos.
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So, what's new? Again, the headliners are Apple's new intelligence features, which only work on the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and iPhone 16 models.
Chief among these are new AI image creation tools that let you create emojis and cartoonish images with short text descriptions.
Just like with other AI tricks, you'll need to sign up to a waiting list to use the new tools. Once they're ready, they'll be available via the iPhone keyboard in the case of Genmoji, while image generation will be locked into the new Playground app.
Don't like Sir's answer? Ask ChatGPT instead.
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After you get iOS 18.2, Apple will prompt you to download the ChatGPT app and sign in with your account (this isn't mandatory, but it's the only way the chatbot can save your history will).
Don't forget, you can also type in Siri by double-tapping the bottom of the iPhone screen.
Meanwhile, iPhone 16 owners can now point their camera at places and objects to get more information with visual intelligence.
So, instead of searching for a restaurant on Google or Apple Maps, you can just hold the camera control button to get its opening hours, photos, reviews and contact details. This should feel familiar to anyone who has used Google Lens to search for fashion or translate text.
Apple's new AI tools will also be available on iPads with iPadOS 18.2.
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Finally, the writing tools that came bundled with iOS 18.1 now include two new options: Describe and Compose Your Change, so you can use Apple's AI model or ChatGPT to write your emails or messages instead of just ghostwriting them. May ask to draft the original text.
Apart from the AI ​​stuff, there are also a bunch of regular updates that everyone can access. These include a redesigned Mail app that divides your emails into different categories. the ability to use Find My to share an item's location with others; And projector support in TVOS.
