Apple releases iOS 18.2 beta, allowing users to finally create AI-powered controversial emojis.

Although iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 have not yet taken the first step out the door, the next big thing for Apple Intelligence is already on the horizon. The next step in Cupertino’s artificial intelligence journey, the developer beta of iOS 18.2 introduces the long-awaited integration of ChatGPT. Following behind is the eagerly awaited AI image generator and “Genmoji” capabilities if you really want to impress your friends with some AI moves.

The next version of iOS is currently in developer beta, but anyone who registers can access it. Just remember to back up your phone data in case of any errors. After installing the update, you will be able to access ChatGPT, which can be accessed through Siri’s re-enabled function or the writing tools function. Apple has proven that users will need to routinely grant OpenAI’s chatbot permission to access the internet or any of your data. You can link your OpenAI account if you want to access additional features of your ChatGPT Plus subscription.

With the update, Siri will start handing off some of the more intensive tasks or writing tasks to ChatGPT. For example, if you ask Siri to write anything for you, this request is likely to be passed to OpenAI’s chatbot program. You will see it appear in a window with some suggestions based on the prompt. In macOS Sequoia, ChatGPT will be seen through a floating window. Just note that ChatGPT will not have access to your files or personal information. This may come with the promised fixed Siri, but you won’t see features like those provided by Google Gemini and Gemini Live.

Other key features include Image Playground, an AI-powered image creator. Apple announces that you will be able to create images based on friends and family in your photos, but we already assume they will prevent you from shooting any of your friends in any uncolored ways. Beta users can also send “Genmojis” to friends via iMessages. Everything Apple has showcased so far is characterized by a cartoonish style, and we do not expect Apple to start allowing people to impersonate celebrities using their iPhones.

There is also the Image Wand feature, which can turn a rough sketch drawn on the screen with your finger or Apple Pencil into an image created by artificial intelligence, much like what is found in the latest Samsung phones with Galaxy AI technology. Additionally, according to 9to5Mac, 18.2 provides the long-awaited visual intelligence feature, although it is only available if you have one of the iPhone 16 models. As highlighted during the Apple iPhone 16 presentation in September, this feature will allow you to see the world through the iPhone camera, and the AI on board should be able to describe objects, animals, or plants.

iOS 18.1 has been in beta testing for a few months now, and we have seen AI-powered writing tools on new products like the iPad mini. The update is expected to be official as of October 28, although Apple Intelligence features will be limited to English-speaking users in the United States only. The next update adds additional features to the writing tools that will allow you to request the AI to rewrite the text in ways that go beyond “professional” or “friendly” tone.

So far, iOS 18.1 is not great. The most urgent impact it has had is that my notifications often fail to summarize my perpetually full inbox. I regularly face a barrage of emails and text messages, and Apple doesn’t help me when it tells me that my latest emails will discuss: “AI can now do the math for you; the Razer Freyja touchscreen problem is being addressed.”.

The jewel in the crown of Apple Intelligence, a version of Siri that can work across all your apps and perform tasks on your behalf, is coming. We may have to wait until next spring for these features to be fully baked. Earlier this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook said he knows they are not the first in AI, but he believes they will ultimately be “the best.”