Apple released the iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1 update for iPhone on Wednesday. It comes a week prior to the anticipated rollout of iOS 18.1.
The iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1 update introduces more features powered by Apple Intelligence. This includes Image Playground, Genomoji, ChatGPT Integration in Siri and other new features. There are also a few additions exclusively for the iPhone 16 series.
iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1: Features
Apple Intelligence features have been expanded widely with the introduction of iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1. The company previewed a host of AI features at its developer conference in May, but only few of them — such as writing tools, web page summarisation and automatic movie creation in the Photos app — were released with the prior beta updates.
iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1 update comprises Image Playground which uses generative AI to generate images based on textual prompts. This feature also aids the Genmoji tool that works along the same principle but for customized emojis. The created images can be shared in apps such as Messages, Notes, and Keynote.
Another addition is the Image Wand feature that can transform a rough sketch into a related image in the Notes app. However, at the time of writing, using Image Playground will need a separate early access which users are required to request after installing the update.
One of the highlights of the update is the integration of ChatGPT to Siri. The voice assistant can now use the capabilities of OpenAI’s AI chatbot to provide users with more in-depth responses to queries and even details about photos and documents. They can ask for ChatGPT via Siri directly to get better answers.
Furthermore, in order to enhance Writing Tools, the update enables Apple Intelligence to tweak the text even further by providing prompts or composing a new one altogether. The feature needs optional sign-in, and iPhone users with a paid ChatGPT account can use it for access to even more powerful OpenAI models.
Exclusively, iPhone 16 series users will be able to use the new Visual Intelligence as part of the iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1 update. It is said to be Apple’s own version of Google Lens. New interface will show up on long pressing the Camera Control button. Users can point the camera viewfinder towards an object and the iPhone will be able to search for it on the web or ask ChatGPT for more information.
Additionally, Apple has also expanded the availability of Apple Intelligence to more English-speaking countries. It is now available in the following languages for the respective regions:
- English (Australia)
- English (Canada)
- English (New Zealand)
- English (South Africa)
- English (United Kingdom)
Also Read: iOS 18 Rollout: How To Download On iPhone, Enhanced Features
iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1: Compatible iPhones
Apple says all iPhone models compatible with the iOS 18 update are eligible to download the latest iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1. Presently, it is expected to be rolled out only for the models supporting Apple Intelligence. This includes the entire iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
