Apple Intelligence Features Like ChatGPT Hit iPhones in iOS 18.2 Beta
Apple Intelligencethe name of Apple’s own generative AI, takes another step forward with the public beta versions for iOS 18.2iPadOS 18.2 and MacOS Sequoia 15.2. This release includes some of the most exciting Apple Intelligence features such as GenMoji, Image Playground, and the ChatGPT integration for Siri.
The public beta of iOS 18.2 follows the latest public beta of iOS 18.1, which includes a handful of Apple Intelligence features such as AI-suggested writing tools that appear in documents or emails, photo tools including Cleanup to remove unwanted parts of an image , and some Siri changes. The most notable changes to Siri include a new voice designed to sound more natural, the ability to understand the context of conversations, a new glowing border around the screen when Siri is active, and a new double-tap gesture at the bottom of the screen to type to Siri.
The iOS 18.2 developer beta has even more features, including visual intelligence for the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, which uses the new Camera Control button to search for whatever the camera is pointed at – similar to Google Lens.
The hype surrounding Apple’s AI has been on the rise since Apple Intelligence stole the show at the WWDC keynote in June and took a step forward at the It’s Glowtime event earlier in September, where the iPhone 16 lineup was introduced. While we’re certainly in the first few steps of the generative AI marathon, the formal release of Apple Intelligence is proof that Apple is committed to the new technology and how it can improve its phones and computers.
Apple Intelligence will not be limited to just the iPhone, but will be added to Apple’s various operating systems.
Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Compelling upgrade and my favorite feature in years
While some of Apple’s AI features sound really useful, the rollout has been limited certain iPhones, iPads and Macs (iPhone 15 Pro models or newer, and Macs and iPads with M-series chips) means they won’t be used by everyone. Hopefully we’ll start to understand what these features will actually be capable of.
What will Apple Intelligence do?
Apple Intelligence is billed as “AI for the rest of us.” The idea is that Apple Intelligence is built into your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so you can write, get things done, and express yourself. It uses the personal context across your Apple devices to make recommendations and generate results that are more specific to you. Apple calls the AI function a brand new standard for privacy in AI.
CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco says in her story about Apple Intelligence that understanding personal context when providing answers and completing tasks is a big part of Apple’s approach with Apple Intelligence.
“Apple appears to be using this tactic as a way to differentiate its own AI efforts from those previously announced by competitors,” Eadicicco wrote. “For example, the company explained how Apple Intelligence can understand multiple factors, such as traffic, your schedule and your contacts, so you can understand whether you can get to an event on time.”
What devices does Apple Intelligence work on?
Currently, Apple Intelligence is available in beta on the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, and any iPad or Mac with an M1 chip and later, with Siri and the device language set to US English.
This fall, Apple Intelligence will receive a public release as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia.
Here is a list of current Apple devices that can run Apple Intelligence:
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPad Mini with A17 Pro chip
- iPad Air with an M1 or M2 chip
- iPad Pro with an M1, M2 or M4 chip
- MacBook Air with an M1, M2 or M3 chip
- MacBook Pro with an M1, M2 or M3 chip
- Mac Mini with an M1 or M2 chip
- Mac Studio with an M1 or M2 chip
- iMac with an M1 or M3 chip
- Mac Pro with an M2 chip
When will Apple Intelligence be available for use?
The first wave of features using Apple Intelligence capabilities will be available in October as part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and MacOS Sequoia 15.1. Gurman states that Apple Intelligence will disappear on October 28. Additional features are rolling out with the developer betas for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and MacOS Sequoia 15.2.
Currently, you can use Apple Intelligence on a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the public beta for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and MacOS Sequoia 15.1 respectively, with Siri and the device language set to US English.
The developer beta for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and MacOS 15.2 expands Apple Intelligence beyond the US to Apple Intelligence is also coming to localized English in December for five additional regions: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK.
Where will Apple Intelligence be available?
It will be available in the US at launch. Apple specifically says that Apple Intelligence will work on compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac models with Siri and the device language set to US English. Support for additional languages is coming in 2025.
Does Apple Intelligence use ChatGPT?
No. Apple Intelligence runs on the device (iPhone, iPad or Mac) and on Apple’s silicon-powered servers in the cloud, which Apple calls Private Cloud Compute. It depends on your prompts and questions whether Apple Intelligence is processed on the device or in the cloud. Apple Intelligence is not ChatGPT and does not run on the well-known OpenAI service.
However, Apple Intelligence does support additional third-party AI services, with ChatGPT being the first to be announced. ChatGPT access will be integrated into Siri and writing tools on iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and MacOS Sequoia 15.2, allowing Apple device owners to access it without having to jump between tools.
What tools will Apple Intelligence have?
Here you will see the Apple Intelligence Writing Tools pop-up menu. To access it, highlight text and tap the Writing tools knob.
Apple Intelligence’s capabilities fall into one of three categories: writing, pictures, and Siri. Writing tools will be available wherever you write. Apple Intelligence can proofread your text, rewrite different versions, adjust tone and wording, and summarize selected text with one tap.
Image tools can create original images based on prompts in the new Image Playground app. The Apple Intelligence-powered Image Wand lets you turn a rough sketch into a related image that complements your notes. You can also generate custom and unique Genmoji directly from your keyboard with Apple Intelligence. Apple says you even have the option to choose someone from your Photos library and create a Genmoji that looks like them.
In the Photos app, you can create a custom memory video based on the description you provide.
Apple Intelligence will give Siri a massive overhaul. Siri gets a new design, better language understanding, and the ability to type to Siri instead of dictating. Siri’s voice and response will sound more natural and conversational. Apple Intelligence gives Siri insight into personal context and the ability to take action in and across multiple apps, and product knowledge about the features and settings of your devices. Apple says Siri can help you like never before.
How much does Apple Intelligence cost?
Apple does not charge for Apple Intelligence and has not announced any plans to do so.
