New Features in iOS 18.2: Emoji Generator, Image Playground, and Advanced AI Capabilities

Apple has introduced several exciting features in the latest iOS 18.2 update, focusing on enhancing creativity and leveraging AI technology across its ecosystem. Here's an overview of the updates:

1. Genmoji: Custom Emoji Generation

The Genmoji feature allows users to create custom emojis based on text prompts. These personalized emojis can be used in conversations and customized further using personal photos. For example, you can create an emoji that resembles your face or use your favorite scenery as inspiration.

2. Image Playground: AI-Driven Image Generation

iOS 18.2 introduces the Image Playground, available as a standalone app and integrated into Messages, Freeform, and Keynote. This feature offers two creative styles: "Animation" and "Illustration."

Users can generate unique images by uploading photos from their gallery or taking new ones directly within the app. The AI supports various inputs, including landscapes, inanimate objects, and portraits.

3. Image Wand in Notes

The Notes app now includes a feature called Image Wand. With this, users can sketch or outline an idea, and the neural network will generate a suitable image based on the recognized content. You can also provide a text prompt for the same purpose.

This tool offers an additional "Sketch" style, complementing the styles from Image Playground: "Animation" and "Illustration."

4. Enhanced Text Editing Tools

Text editing has received a significant boost. While iOS 18.1 introduced options to rewrite text into more "friendly," "formal," or "concise" versions, iOS 18.2 adds a "Describe Your Change" feature. Users can describe their editing needs in a freeform input field, allowing for more tailored text modifications.

5. ChatGPT Integration with Apple Intelligence & Siri

Users can now enable ChatGPT support from OpenAI under the Apple Intelligence & Siri settings. Siri gains the ability to pass complex requests to ChatGPT, such as analyzing photos or documents, which it cannot handle on its own.

Within the Writing Tools, users can request ChatGPT to generate text or images. The AI model responsible for these tasks is OpenAI’s GPT-4o, as reported by CNBC.

Privacy Note:
By default, no ChatGPT account is required for this feature, and OpenAI does not save user queries or utilize data for training its models. If users opt to sync their ChatGPT account, data usage will comply with OpenAI's established policies.

6. Object Recognition via ChatGPT

iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and Pro Max users now have an additional functionality to interact with ChatGPT directly through the camera. By long-pressing the camera control button, users can ask the AI about objects in the frame, expanding the scope of real-time AI-assisted interactions.

These updates mark another step forward in blending AI capabilities with everyday user needs, making iOS 18.2 a powerful platform for creativity and efficiency.