Apple has released the iOS 18.2 public beta and it’s full of new features and improvements. This update continues Apple’s mission to make iPhones smarter and more customizable so you get a smooth and powerful experience. Here are the highlights of the new iOS you can try in the public beta.
New Features of iOS 18.2
Enhanced Siri with ChatGPT Integration
iOS 18.2 includes OpenAI’s ChatGPT in Siri. Siri just got a whole lot smarter. Now Siri can answer more complex questions and help with tasks that require more detailed answers. This is especially useful for those who use voice commands as Siri can now give longer responses and tackle advanced tasks by using ChatGPT’s capabilities. You just have to enable it manually for privacy reasons.
Genmoji and Image Playground
One of the coolest new features in iOS 18.2 is “Genmoji”. This lets you create custom emojis right from your emoji keyboard. Want an emoji that looks like you or a special design for an occasion? This is a new way to customize your messages. Along with Genmoji, iOS 18.2 also brings “Image Playground” where you can create images from text prompts. Perfect for quick graphics for social media.
Apple Intelligence Features
Apple is expanding its Visual Intelligence feature which is available on iPhone 16 models. Visual Intelligence uses the camera to gather information and provide insights about what the camera sees. For example, by pressing and holding the Camera Control button, you can identify objects or get more info about the scene you’re looking at. The iPhone camera just got even more powerful and useful in everyday situations, especially in unfamiliar places.
New Control Center Shortcuts
Apple added new shortcuts to the Control Center in iOS 18.2. You now have a “Type to Siri” option so you can interact with Siri by typing instead of speaking. There’s also a setting to always show the volume control on the lock screen so you can quickly adjust the volume. And Apple updated the Control Center icons to match the dark mode theme.
Also Read: Apple iPhone SE 4: Bigger Display, Enhanced Camera, and Apple Intelligence
Default Apps and Volume Control
New iOS follows new EU rules and now lets you set non-Apple apps as default for messaging, browsing, and other tasks. A new Volume Limit feature in the Sound and Haptics menu lets you set a maximum volume for music, videos, and other media. Perfect for those who want to protect their hearing or keep the audio level consistent.
Privacy and Security Upgrades
Safari gets more privacy, with new security features in iOS 18.2. You’ll now see a “Not Secure” warning when visiting sites without SSL certificates. This helps you stay informed about potential security risks when dealing with sensitive info. You can also track your downloads right from the lock screen, which is super handy if you download a lot of files.
Apple News+ and Podcasts
For Apple News+ fans, the new iOS brings daily Sudoku puzzles to help you relax while reading. The Podcasts app has some updates too, so you can favorite categories and organize episodes more easily. Both the News and podcast apps are getting more fun for regular users.
iPhone Mirroring with Hotspot
One of the smaller but useful features in iOS 18.2 is the ability to use iPhone Mirroring when sharing a hotspot connection with a Mac. Previously, using a hotspot would disable iPhone mirroring. This is super handy for people who connect their devices on the go and want to show iPhone content on a bigger screen.
Anyone eager to explore iOS 18.2 can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program. As always, beta software may come with a few bugs, so it’s recommended for tech enthusiasts and those interested in testing new features ahead of the full release. However, it’s a great opportunity to experience Apple’s latest improvements firsthand and provide feedback that may shape the final version.
iOS 18.2 has all sorts of new stuff and improvements to make your iPhone even better. With ChatGPT-powered Siri, custom Genmojis, and privacy upgrades in Safari, Apple is all about making iOS more useful and fun. Whatever you’re into – AI, customization, or new security features – iOS 18.2 has you covered.
