Apple has officially entered the generative AI race with its homegrown “Apple Intelligence,” now available in beta for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and MacOS Sequoia 15.2. With powerful features like GenMoji, Image Playground, and enhanced Siri capabilities powered by ChatGPT integration, Apple Intelligence is shaping up to be a breakthrough for Apple’s ecosystem.
To try out Apple Intelligence, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPad or Mac with an M1 chip or later. Here’s what Apple fans need to know about this new AI toolset.
What’s New in the iOS 18.2 Beta?
The public beta release of iOS 18.2 expands on some key Apple Intelligence features first introduced in iOS 18.1. Users can now experiment with AI-enhanced writing suggestions in emails and documents, image cleanup tools to erase unwanted parts of photos, and notable upgrades to Siri. The redesigned Siri is more conversational, understands context better, and now shows a new glowing border on the display when activated. Apple has also added a double-tap gesture on the screen, allowing you to type to Siri instead of speaking.
The iOS 18.2 developer beta takes things further with visual intelligence. For example, the iPhone 16 series now has a Camera Control button that lets users search for information on objects in their camera’s view—similar to Google Lens.
Building Anticipation for Apple’s AI Revolution
Excitement for Apple’s AI initiative has been growing since Apple Intelligence stole the spotlight at this year’s WWDC keynote. With this beta release, Apple is proving its commitment to integrating generative AI across its devices to enhance productivity, creativity, and daily tasks. And this is just the beginning; Apple Intelligence will eventually become standard across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
How Will Apple Intelligence Work?
Apple Intelligence aims to be “AI for the rest of us.” Integrated across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, it’s designed to assist with writing, productivity, and creative tasks, making personalized recommendations tailored to each user’s context. Apple has emphasized its commitment to privacy, with Apple Intelligence offering on-device processing as much as possible, safeguarding personal data.
According to CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco, Apple Intelligence’s contextual understanding is a significant aspect of Apple’s approach. By factoring in things like traffic, schedule, and contacts, Apple Intelligence can help users plan more effectively, making the AI feel more intuitive and genuinely helpful.
Which Devices Support Apple Intelligence?
For now, Apple Intelligence is only available on specific devices: iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro models, and any iPad or Mac with an M1 chip or later. Siri and device language need to be set to US English, though Apple plans to add support for additional regions and languages by the end of the year.
Apple Intelligence vs. ChatGPT: What’s the Difference?
Apple Intelligence doesn’t directly use ChatGPT; instead, it runs on Apple’s own on-device AI system and Private Cloud Compute. However, Apple has integrated ChatGPT support as a supplemental tool, which is embedded in Siri and various writing tools on iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and MacOS Sequoia 15.2. This integration means that Apple users can access ChatGPT directly within Siri and other Apple apps without the need to switch between multiple platforms.
Key Features of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is categorized into three core areas: writing, images, and Siri enhancements.
- Writing Tools: Integrated across apps, these tools can proofread, rephrase, and summarize text with a single tap, enhancing productivity for everything from emails to documents.
- Image Tools: The new Image Playground app lets users generate custom images based on prompts, while the Image Wand can transform sketches into images that complement notes. Apple’s GenMoji feature even allows users to create unique avatars directly from their Photos library.
- Siri Upgrades: Siri receives an impressive upgrade with a more natural voice, improved understanding of personal context, and the ability to work seamlessly across multiple apps. It can now assist with a broader range of tasks, making it more versatile than ever.
When Will Apple Intelligence Launch?
Apple Intelligence will get its public release in October as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS Sequoia. Currently, you can try Apple Intelligence in beta with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and MacOS Sequoia 15.1, with more features coming in the developer beta for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and MacOS Sequoia 15.2. Regional expansion for English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK, is expected in December.
Will There Be a Cost?
Apple Intelligence is free to use, with no plans announced for future charges.
With Apple Intelligence, Apple is setting a new standard for what on-device AI can offer, blending convenience, privacy, and personalization across its ecosystem. Expect these features to evolve rapidly as Apple continues to refine its approach to generative AI, delivering tools that feel intuitive, practical, and built for everyone.
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