Apple’s iOS 18.2, set to release in December, brings another round of updates to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, with an array of improvements designed to make iPhones smarter, more creative, and easier to use. Here’s a look at 10 exciting things your iPhone will soon be able to do:
1. Visual Intelligence for Enhanced Surrounding Awareness
For iPhone 16 users, Visual Intelligence offers real-time insights about your surroundings. When pointing the camera at a location like a restaurant, you’ll see details like hours and reviews. It also includes tools for text-to-speech, copying, and identifying contacts and objects, expanding what your camera can do in everyday life.
2. Query ChatGPT via Siri
Thanks to a partnership with OpenAI, Siri can now use ChatGPT for more advanced interactions. With the new Writing Tools, Siri can handle complex tasks, such as summarizing lengthy PDFs or generating original content, making it a valuable AI assistant for creative and practical needs.
3. Generate Images Using Prompts
The new Image Playground app lets users create unique images by providing prompts. With stylized options like animation and illustration, you can easily generate creative visuals. The app integrates with Notes, Messages, and other apps, allowing seamless image generation based on your ideas.
4. Adjust Media Volume on the Lock Screen
Responding to user feedback, Apple is reintroducing a volume slider for the Lock Screen. Located in Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Audio & Visual, the “Always Show Volume Control” toggle allows easy volume adjustments without unlocking your phone or using physical buttons.
5. Categorize Emails in Mail
With iOS 18.2, the Mail app gains a category feature, organizing emails into sections like “Primary” for important messages, “Transactions” for purchases, “Updates” for newsletters, and “Promotions” for special offers. This update makes navigating your inbox much easier.
6. Easily Manage Default Apps
The new “Default Apps” section in Settings allows you to set preferred apps for email, browsing, and more. Initially developed for the European Union, this update may become available globally, making it simpler to customize your iPhone experience.
7. Create Custom Emoji Characters
With Genmoji, you can design unique emoji characters that go beyond standard options. These custom emojis can resemble people from your Photos library, adding a more personal touch to your emoji use and allowing more creative expression.
8. Generate Images With Sketches
In the Notes app, the Image Wand feature lets you create images by sketching or circling areas. For instance, you can draw something and let Image Wand turn it into a related image. iPad users can also use the Apple Pencil for even more detailed sketches, enhancing content with visual aids.
9. More Options in Writing Tools
Apple’s Writing Tools are getting an upgrade in iOS 18.2, expanding beyond tone adjustments. Now, you’ll be able to specify content changes like adding action words or transforming emails into poems, giving users greater control over their text modifications.
10. Play Daily Sudoku Puzzles
Apple News+ subscribers in the U.S. will enjoy daily sudoku puzzles, available in easy, moderate, and challenging levels. A scoreboard tracks your puzzle progress and best times, adding a new layer of fun to your daily routine.
These features showcase Apple’s dedication to an intuitive, adaptable iPhone experience. Look out for iOS 18.2 in December to explore these exciting updates.
