iOS 18.2 now introduces a range of Apple Intelligence features
Here's what to expect when you update.
Since Apple first released iOS 18 in September, the company has been gradually refining the operating system to deliver on the level of intelligence and personalization it promised during the "Glowtime" event.
While iOS 18.1 offered glimpses of Apple’s vision, it left some features on the waiting list. Now, with the announcement of iOS 18.2 officially rolling out after six weeks of beta testing, Apple appears ready to meet those expectations.
Here's everything new you'd get in iOS 18.2:
Kelechi Edeh
Image playground and Genmoji are finally here
At the heart of iOS 18.2 is Apple Intelligence’s new creative and productivity tools. Image Playground, for example, is one of those highly anticipated tools. Expected to allow users generate images, animations, and illustrations using text prompts, it could help add a personal touch to conversations in Messages or presentations.
Genmoji, on the other hand, is a tool that brings emoji customization to life, letting users create emojis that reflect themes, accessories, or even personal likenesses.
ChatGPT integration features
Another notable highlight is the integration of ChatGPT into Siri and Writing Tools. This update could make it easier to compose, edit, or explore ideas without switching between apps.
According to Apple, Siri can now tap into ChatGPT note-taking for certain queries, and users can generate content with ChatGPT’s help in system-wide Writing Tools. Apple further assures users that this feature maintains strict privacy protocols—requests without a linked ChatGPT account are anonymized and won’t contribute to OpenAI’s training models.
In addition to these updates, Apple also introduced a new feature to the Notes app called Image Wand which is expected to take note-taking to the next level by transforming your rough ideas (written or sketched) into an image.
Apple introduces visual intelligence
For iPhone 16 users, Apple's new visual intelligence promises a layer of real-world interactivity. It leverages the Camera Control button to recognize objects, translate text, and even tap into ChatGPT or Google Search for deeper insights. While these features are device-specific, they represent Apple’s push toward merging AI with everyday utility.
Other features to expect
Beyond these intelligence features, iOS 18.2 updated its Mail app with a Digest view for grouping messages, its Photos app with frame-by-frame video scrubbing, and Safari with HTTPS upgrades and data import/export options. These updates, while smaller, reflect Apple’s broader goal of delivering a seamless and user-friendly experience across its ecosystem.
Additionally, Apple has localized its intelligence features for English users in regions like Canada, South Africa, and Ireland, with plans to expand to 13 more languages in 2025. Meanwhile, EU users with compatible phones will gain access to key features starting in April 2025.
Upcoming features
However, even with these new features the full rollout of Apple Intelligence is far still from complete. Apple has teased several upcoming capabilities in the coming months, with Siri getting contextual understanding to offer tailored suggestions and gaining onscreen awareness to execute more actions across Apple and third-party apps.
Apple also talked about a new Priority Notifications feature that will help you focus on what matters most, while Image Playground might get an update that'll let it create Sketch style images.
For now, iOS 18.2 is available for download to everyone but only those with iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max, iPads with A17 Pro or M1 chips, and Macs powered by M1 or later, will have access to these new features.
As Apple continues its AI-driven evolution, iOS 18.2 reflects a blend of creativity and utility. While it builds on the promise of earlier updates, its success will depend on how well users embrace these enhancements.
Louis Eriakha
