Ahead of iOS 18.1’s public release, Apple released the first iOS 18.2 beta to developers. The second major point release of iOS 18 packs several changes, including new Apple Intelligence features.
Below is a roundup of all the new features and changes in iOS 18.2 beta 1.
iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 Beta 1 compatible devices
Like the first few iOS 18.1 beta builds, iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 beta 1 are only available for iPhones and iPads that support Apple Intelligence. So, you can try iOS 18.1 beta on the following devices:
- iPhone 16 Pro series
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 15 Pro series
On iPads, Apple Intelligence works with all devices using an M-series chip and the latest iPad mini 7, which uses an A17 Pro SoC.
iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 beta 1: What’s new and changed
New Apple Intelligence Features
iOS 18.2 beta 1 adds several new Apple Intelligence features missing from the iOS 18.1 beta.
Image Playground: A new Playground app will allow you to use AI to create images with just a few prompts. The first time you open the Playground app, you must join a waitlist. Once approved, you can start creating images in seconds, with an option to choose between Animation and Illustration styles.
AI-powered image generation capabilities are also available inside the Messages and Mail app.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey
Genmoji: Similar to Image Playground, you can use Apple Intelligence to create custom emoji based on the entered prompt.
Image Wand: This feature will use AI to turn your rough sketches into “delightful images.”
Writing Tools enhancement: Writing Tools is getting a big boost in iOS 18.2, and you can “describe your change” on how Apple Intelligence should modify the tone and voice of your text.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey
Visual Intelligence: First showcased by Apple during the iPhone 16 launch, Visual Intelligence will provide more information about the subject you point the camera towards. You can bring up Visual Intelligence with a long press of the Camera Control button. It can give you additional information about an object, display reviews of a location, or allow you to search for the item on Google.
A first look at Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 16 series in iOS 18.2 Beta 1. pic.twitter.com/LIQAe1S93R
— Beta Profiles (@BetaProfiles) October 23, 2024
Wider availability: iOS 18.2 beta 1 expands Apple Intelligence support to more regions, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. However, your device language should still be set to English.
ChatGPT integration in Siri: iOS 18.2 beta 1 brings ChatGPT integration into Siri. This enables Apple’s virtual assistant to pass over queries to ChatGPT for smarter, detailed answers. The best part about this integration is that you can use ChatGPT through Siri without an OpenAI account.
Categorization in Mail app
iOS 18.2 beta 1 revamps the Mail app with AI-powered categorization. This will automatically filter your emails into categories like Primary, Updates, and Promotions.
New Default Apps settings
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple is introducing a new Default Apps menu in the iPhone’s Settings app with iOS 18.2 beta 1. This option will act as a centralized place to control the default app settings on your iPhone. It will allow you to change the default email, messaging, calling, call filtering, browser, keyboard, and password app.
Volume limit
Photo: Rajesh Pandey
In iOS 18.2 beta 1, you can set a volume limit for your iPhone’s speaker volume. The new option is located under Settings > Sound and Haptics > Volume Limit. Setting a maximum limit will not affect the speaker volume for FaceTime calls, ringtones, and system sounds. It will only limit the volume level when playing back content through the speakers.
Layering in Voice Memos
On the iPhone 16 Pro, the Voice Memos app in iOS 18.2 beta 1 allows you to mix two tracks together. You can also separate and mix layers.
More EU-specific changes
In iOS 18.2 beta 1, you can remove many core iPhone apps, such as Photos, Safari, Messages, Camera and even the App Store. This is an EU-specific change to comply with the local laws.
Import/Export Safari data
Safari in iOS 18.2 beta 1 allows you to import your bookmarks, history, extensions, and passwords from another browser into Safari. Similarly, you can export your browser data like bookmarks, credit card details, and history as an archive to import into other browsers.
Type to Siri toggle in the Control Center
iOS 18.2 beta 1 introduces a new “Type to Siri” toggle in the Control Center, providing quick access to the Type to Siri functionality.
Developers can test EU-specific changes
App developers can develop and test EU-specific features on their iPhones and iPads even if they are outside the EU. This includes features such as “alternative browser engines, contactless apps, marketplace installations from web browsers, and marketplace apps, from anywhere in the world. Developers of apps that use alternative browser engines can now use WebKit in those same apps.”
Notice any other changes in iOS 18.2 beta 1? Drop a comment and share them with us.