Every New AI Feature in iOS 18.2: ChatGPT Integration, Improved Camera Control, Apple Intelligence and More

Apple’s iOS 18.2 is preparing for a December release with updates designed to redefine user experience. Key among these is the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Siri, a change that could supercharge Apple’s virtual assistant with advanced AI capabilities.

You can now upgrade to ChatGPT Plus right from the settings app on iOS 18.2 beta 2 pic.twitter.com/KsimlFJRcw

— Aaron (@aaronp613) November 4, 2024

Interestingly, Apple’s partnership with OpenAI doesn’t involve direct payments. Instead, the tech giant is offering exposure for OpenAI, banking on the in-app ChatGPT Plus sign-up option to convert iPhone users into paying customers for OpenAI. This collaboration, however, is non-exclusive. Apple has signalled that it intends to integrate other AI models, including Google’s Gemini, in future updates, creating a diverse AI ecosystem within its devices.

Apple’s introduction of OpenAI’s model hints at a new era of smartphone AI, transforming the iOS ecosystem to deliver tailored responses, visual intelligence, and image generation capabilities. Here’s everything you need to know about the features coming in iOS 18.2.

Every New AI Feature Coming in iOS 18.2

ChatGPT Comes to Siri

Firstly, iOS 18.2 beta testers have already witnessed Siri’s capabilities powered by ChatGPT. The update introduces a “ChatGPT Plus” option in the Settings app, offering users an upgrade to OpenAI’s premium service directly through their iPhone. ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 per month, includes the latest OpenAI model (o1-preview) and additional features, such as an advanced voice mode and increased daily access to DALL-E image generation.

For free users, Siri’s ChatGPT integration comes with limitations. Free-tier users are restricted to OpenAI’s more cost-effective models after a set number of queries, while premium users have more consistent access to the latest features. This setup could provide a financial boost for OpenAI, whose revenue depends mostly on paid subscriptions.

Apple Intelligence Expansions

Beyond ChatGPT, iOS 18.2 rolls out the next wave of Apple Intelligence features, such as:

• Genmoji and Visual Intelligence: The new Genmoji feature will allow users to generate AI-driven emojis. On the other hand, Visual Intelligence can recognize objects, text, and more in photos, enhancing productivity and creativity.
• Image Playground: Integrated into the Notes app, users can highlight text, select “Create Image,” and automatically generate images based on the chosen context, powered by Apple’s Image Playground.

New Features in iOS 18.2 Beta 2

In addition to the most known upgrades, iOS 18.2 Beta 2 revealed several additions. Listed are the latest AI features introduced in Apple’s latest round of beta:

• Enhanced Camera Control: Users of the iPhone 16 series can now lock exposure and focus with a double press on the touch-sensitive Camera Control button. Additionally, there’s an option to adjust the double-click speed, offering increased customization.
• Find My Enhancements: Find My now allows users to share lost items’ location with others. By generating a shareable link, users can send item locations to friends, regardless of whether they use an Apple device. This link expires after one week or once you recover the item, enhancing device security.
• Notifications in Mail: Users can now configure the Mail app to show badges only for unread messages in the “Primary” category. With this update, Mail automatically categorises messages into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
• iPhone Mirroring with Hotspot Active: Previously, activating the iPhone’s hotspot for a Mac meant the Mirroring feature was disabled. iOS 18.2 now supports simultaneous Mirroring and hotspot, boosting multi-device functionality.
• Enhanced Localised Versions: iOS 18.2 also brings localised English support for users in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK, broadening the accessibility of Apple Intelligence features.
• Compliance Updates for Europe: To align with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, iOS 18.2 for iPad requires users to select a default browser on Safari. This update ensures that European users have increased control over their browsing experience.

As for users who reported battery issues with iOS 18 due to high background activity, iOS 18.2 includes battery and temperature management improvements, specifically for iPhone 16 and 16 Pro users experiencing battery drain in standby mode.

iOS 18.2 is Just the Start of Apple’s new AI Era

As iOS 18.2 arrives, Apple is already preparing for another massive AI update in iOS 18.4, expected in April 2025. This future update will see Siri leveraging on-screen data and personal information to deliver even more customised responses. For European users, this will mark the first time experiencing the complete range of Apple Intelligence capabilities.

With ChatGPT integration and other advancements, iOS 18.2 solidifies Apple’s commitment to weaving AI deeply into its devices. This innovative collaboration with OpenAI may influence not only Siri’s performance but also how users interact with their devices daily. As Apple gears up for future releases, iOS 18.2 marks a significant step forward in creating an intelligent, intuitive, and globally adaptable iOS ecosystem.

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