Apple Intelligence & ChatGPT Integration: iOS 18.2 Update

Apple Expands AI Capabilities with New Intelligence Features

Apple has recently unveiled a suite of new Apple Intelligence features. These include the innovative Image Playground, Genmoji, enhanced writing tools, and integration with ChatGPT, becoming available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2.

The company has broadened the linguistic scope of Apple Intelligence. Support now extends to English as it is spoken and localized in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Previously, the AI suite was limited to U.S. English.

ChatGPT Integration: A Key Enhancement

The incorporation of ChatGPT is a highly anticipated development. Siri will now be able to defer to ChatGPT when encountering queries beyond its own capabilities, offering users a wider range of answers. A “compose” function has also been introduced, leveraging ChatGPT to generate text based on user-provided prompts.

Prior writing tools, released with iOS 18.1, allowed for text rewriting in styles such as friendly, professional, or concise. Users could also simply activate a rewrite function without specifying preferences. iOS 18.2 introduces the ability to detail desired changes to Apple Intelligence, enabling more customized editing.

User control over ChatGPT integration is a priority. By default, a ChatGPT account login is not required, and OpenAI will not retain user requests. However, logging into an OpenAI account unlocks access to more advanced models.

Image Creation and Customization

The new Image Playground feature provides a dedicated application for generating images in various artistic styles. Furthermore, existing photographs can be used as the basis for AI-powered remixes, achieved by describing different scenarios and settings. Style options include animation and illustration.

Genmoji, a similar feature, allows users to create new emojis by describing them when the emoji keyboard is active. The description will be highlighted when this functionality is available. Images from the user’s photo library can also be utilized to generate custom Genmoji.

Visual Intelligence and Future Development

Apple is introducing visual intelligence for the upcoming iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max models. This allows users to search for information or ask ChatGPT about objects within the camera’s view by long-pressing the Camera Control button. The camera can also be used to translate languages or save phone numbers via Live Text.

The Notes app will gain the Image Wand tool, which transforms rough sketches into polished illustrations. Simply circling a sketch within a note will trigger the automatic conversion to an image.

Apple intends to provide developers with access to Apple Intelligence-related APIs. This will enable integration of these features into third-party applications. In the coming months, Siri is expected to exhibit improved understanding, offer more contextual suggestions, and demonstrate onscreen awareness.