Highlights
- iOS 18.2 Public Beta is available via Apple’s Beta Software Program.
- It introduces Genmoji, ChatGPT integration and Image Playground, enhancing Apple Intelligence.
- Localized English for Apple Intelligence is now available in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK.
- iOS 18.2 is set for a December release.
Apple has just rolled out the first public beta of iOS 18.2 introducing exciting new Apple Intelligence features to iPhone users.
This update brings major additions like Genmoji and ChatGPT integration along with other notable tools and improvements.
Here’s a look at what’s new.
iOS 18.2 – What’s New in Apple Intelligence
The iOS 18.2 update brings powerful Apple Intelligence features to iPhones. Here are some key highlights:
- Genmoji: Allows users to create custom emojis.
- ChatGPT Integration: Siri and writing tools now include ChatGPT, adding new AI-powered responses and suggestions.
- Image Playground: A tool for generating original images.
- Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16: Camera Control lets users fine-tune photos with new focus and exposure adjustments.
- Writing Tools Enhancement: Adds a Describe your change option.
For image generation features, users should be aware that they may need to join a waitlist, so signing up early is recommended.
With this release, localised English for Apple Intelligence is now extended to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK, enhancing accessibility for these regions.
For users who do have an iPhone eligible for Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.2 brings a range of improvements:
- A redesigned Mail app with advanced inbox categorisation and contact photos.
- New Find My feature to share lost item locations with others, even if they don’t have an Apple device.
- A Settings hub for setting default apps across categories.
- Voice Memos on iPhone 16 Pro gains multi-layered recording tracks.
- Enhanced Camera Control on iPhone 16 for easier focus and exposure adjustments.
- Safari Live Activity support allows users to track file downloads.
Find My
The Find My app now includes a new Share Item Location option that allows users to share the location of a lost item with an “airline or trusted person.” This feature generates a link that anyone can open to view the item’s location even if they don’t have an Apple device.
The shared link works on non-Apple devices, so recipients don’t need an iPhone or Mac to help locate your item. These links expire within a week or as soon as you retrieve your item.
Moreover, there’s an option to Show Contact Info. This lets any phone or tablet connect to your item and open a webpage with more details such as the owner’s phone number and email address.
Siri ChatGPT Limit
In the Siri Apple Intelligence settings, users can now see ChatGPT usage limits for free accounts along with an option to upgrade to the paid ChatGPT Plus plan.
The free integration includes access to ChatGPT, though only for a limited number of requests using the advanced ChatGPT-4o engine and a few DALL-E 3 image generations.
After the free limits are used, Siri reverts to a more basic ChatGPT model, which is less costly for OpenAI to operate. ChatGPT Plus offers unlimited access and is available for $19.99 per month.
Camera Control
On the iPhone 16, users now have the ability to lock auto exposure and autofocus settings with a light press. To enable this, go to Settings > Camera > Camera Control and toggle the AE/AF Lock option.
Furthermore, you can now adjust the double-click speed for Camera Control, with options like Default, Slow, and Slower. These new settings join existing options for customising the double light press speed and force required for the light press.
To make these adjustments, go to Settings > Accessibility > Camera Button.
iOS 18.2 – Public Release Date
A recent 9to5Mac report claims that the full public launch of iOS 18.2 is just around the corner. This means you don’t have to wait too long for a full public release if you are one of those who are interested in iOS 18.2 but hesitant about beta bugs.
Apple traditionally releases its x.2 updates in mid-December with last year’s iOS 17.2 arriving on December 11 and iOS 16.2 the year before on December 13.
Apple has confirmed a December release for iOS 18.2, though the exact date isn’t set. Bloomberg Apple reporter Mark Gurman predicts it may arrive in the first week of December, so users could see the update very soon.
How to Install the iOS 18.2 Public Beta?
Apple’s Beta Software Program is free for all Apple device owners. You can join by signing up through Apple’s website. Once enrolled, public beta releases will be available to install on your devices.
If you’ve used Apple’s public beta before, there’s no need to re-enroll. Simply go to Settings ⇾ Software Update on your device to download iOS 18.2.
iOS 18 – Compatible iPhones
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
FAQs
Q1. What new features does iOS 18.2 introduce?
Answer. iOS 18.2 introduces Genmoji, ChatGPT integration and Image Playground as part of its new Apple Intelligence features.
Q2. In which regions are localised English for Apple Intelligence now available?
Answer. Localised English for Apple Intelligence is now extended to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.
Q3. What improvements does iOS 18.2 bring to eligible iPhones?
Answer. Improvements include a redesigned Mail app, new Find My feature, a Settings hub for default apps, multi-layered recording tracks in Voice Memos, enhanced Camera Control, and Safari Live Activity support.
Q4. When is the public release date for iOS 18.2?
Answer. Apple has confirmed a December release for iOS 18.2 with the exact date predicted to be in the first week of December.
Q5. How can users install the iOS 18.2 public beta?
Answer. Users can join Apple’s Beta Software Program by signing up through Apple’s website. Once enrolled, public beta releases will be available to install via Settings ⇾ Software Update on their devices.
Also Read : Apple to release iOS 18.2 earlier than expected to bring new AI features
Also Read : Snapchat camera can be accessed from the iPhone lock screen with iOS 18