By Chris Skeldon 
Something we promised with iOS 18 is now available, namely the first beta of iOS 18.2. This beta comes with new features like Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT, iPhone 16 Visual Intelligence, and more. Of course, all this is not available in the European Union and China.
Day 1 of the best of what Apple has to offer in iOS 18
the The rollout of Apple Intelligence has been slowgradually and steadily since the company presented its approach to AI at this year's WWDC conference. Development continues today with the release of the latest developer betas for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
Updates in iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia (15.2) bring long-awaited features like Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration for those using preview programs, as well as Image Wand for iPad, and more writing tools.
This follows the announcement that iOS 18.1 will be available as a stable release to the public next week, bringing features such as writing tools, notification summaries and Apple's hearing test to the general public.
This marks the first time that people who did not sign up for the beta program will be able to experience Apple intelligencewhich the company has widely promoted as the main feature of the devices launched this year. For example, the iPhone 16 series was advertised as being designed for Apple Intelligence, even though it was released without these features.
Now that the next set of tools is ready for programmers to test, it looks like we're weeks away from reaching the public. For those already in the developer beta, the update will be installed automatically.
As always, warning: If you're not familiar with the beta program, the beta program is for users who test new features and check for compatibility or issues. Crashes may occur, so always back up your data before installing previews. In this case, you will also need to have an Apple developer account to access it.
Genmoji is now in iOS 18.2 beta
Today's updates come with Genmoji, which lets you create custom emojis from your keyboard. Go to your emoji keyboard, tap the Genmoji button next to the description or search field, and enter what you want to create.
Apple Intelligence will generate some options, which you can scroll through and select an option to send. You can also use them as "click" reactions on other people's messages. Additionally, you can create Genmoji based on your friends' photos, creating more accurate Memoji for them. Since they are displayed in emoji style, there is no risk of confusing them with real images.
Apple is also launching the Genmoji API today so third-party messaging apps can read and display Genmoji, and people you message on WhatsApp or Telegram will be able to see the new “gym fanatic” emoji.
Other previously announced features, such as Image Playground and Image Wand, are now also available. The first is a standalone app and something you can access in the Messages app via the Plus button. If you log in via Messages, the system will quickly generate some suggestions based on your conversations.
You can also type descriptions or select images from the gallery for reference, and the system will display an image that you can then edit. To avoid confusion, there are only a few artistic styles available: animation or illustration. He will not be able to create realistic images of people.
The Image Wand tool now also arrives as an update to the Apple Pencil palette, helping you turn rough sketches into more polished works of art.
ChatGPT integration with Siri and writing tools
As announced at WWDC, Apple is integrating ChatGPT with Siri and writing tools, and the better your request can be met through OpenAI tools, the more the system will suggest using them.
For example, if you ask Siri to create a travel itinerary, a workout routine, or even a meal plan, the assistant might say you need to use ChatGPT to do so and ask for your permission. You can choose to have the system request you every time you go to GPT or to send these requests less frequently.
It's worth noting that you don't need a ChatGPT account to use these tools, and Apple has its own agreement with OpenAI, which ensures that when you use the latter's services, your data, such as your IP address, will not be stored or used in train models. However, if you link your ChatGPT account, your content will be covered by OpenAI policies.
In addition, Apple Intelligence will also allow you to compose texts using ChatGPT in Writing Tools, where you will find features such as rewriting, summarizing, and reviewing.
This is another area getting an update with the developer beta – a new tool called “Describe Your Change.” Basically, it's a command bar that lets you tell Apple exactly what you want to do with your text. “Make it more exciting,” for example, or “Check for grammatical errors.” Basically, it will make the process of editing your work with AI easier, as you won't need to go to individual sections like reviewing or summarizing. You can also ask to "turn this into a poem."
Visual intelligence reaches iPhone 16 owners
Finally, if you have an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro and are using the developer beta, you can try Visual Intelligence. This allows you to point your camera at things around you and get answers to things like math problems in your textbook or the menu at a restaurant you pass on your way to work.
You can also use third-party services such as Google and ChatGPT.
Unlike the iPhone 16 series, you need a compatible device to experience any Apple Intelligence function. That means an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or an iPad or MacBook with an M-series chip.