Apple has just launched the first developer beta of iOS 18.2, and it’s packed with significant updates that expand the power of Apple Intelligence. With new creative tools like Image Playground and Genmoji, as well as the much-anticipated ChatGPT integration for Siri, this update is shaping up to be a game-changer for iPhone users.

Below, we break down all the new features and changes in iOS 18.2 Beta 1, including exciting updates to the Mail app, default app settings, and more.

How to Get iOS 18.2 Beta 1

The iOS 18.2 beta 1 is currently available for developers. If you have an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and their Pro Max versions, you can install the beta by heading to Settings > General > Software Update. The build number for this release is 22C5109p.

Apple Intelligence: New Features that Change the Game

1. Genmoji: Create Custom Emoji with AI

One of the most exciting additions in iOS 18.2 is Genmoji, an Apple Intelligence feature that lets you create custom emoji based on text descriptions. By simply typing what you want—whether it’s a quirky smiley or a Genmoji version of your best friend—you can generate multiple emoji designs and use them directly in Messages, Tapbacks, or even as stickers.

Imagine being able to create unique emojis tailored to your mood or inside jokes with friends. Genmoji makes that possible, and Apple is also launching a Genmoji API so that third-party apps like WhatsApp and Telegram can display these creations seamlessly.

2. Image Playground: Unleash Your Creativity

The new Image Playground app allows users to generate fun, AI-powered images by simply typing in a description. Whether you want an animated character or an artistic illustration, the app will generate custom visuals in seconds.

You can also access Image Playground from within Messages or Mail, letting you create visuals directly in your conversations. A Sketch style will be added in a future update, further expanding its capabilities.

For creative professionals or casual users, this tool makes generating artwork or fun images as simple as typing a few words.

3. ChatGPT Integration with Siri and Writing Tools

One of the biggest updates in iOS 18.2 is the integration of ChatGPT with Siri. When Siri encounters a complex request—such as building an itinerary, drafting an email, or planning a workout—it can now use ChatGPT to generate more detailed, context-aware responses. Best of all, you don’t need a ChatGPT account to use this feature, and your data remains private thanks to Apple’s agreements with OpenAI.

In addition to Siri, ChatGPT powers new features within Apple’s Writing Tools. With the “Describe your change” feature, users can now ask the AI to edit text based on specific commands like “make this sound more professional” or “simplify this paragraph.” This streamlined approach makes generating high-quality written content easier than ever before.

4. Visual Intelligence: AI in Your Camera (iPhone 16 Only)

For iPhone 16 users, iOS 18.2 introduces Visual Intelligence, a powerful tool that uses your camera to identify objects and provide useful information. Whether you’re snapping a photo of a restaurant menu or identifying the breed of a dog, Visual Intelligence gives you instant answers and recommendations. You can even long-press on the camera control to launch this feature, making it incredibly convenient for on-the-go insights.

With connections to third-party services like Google and ChatGPT, Visual Intelligence is like having an AI-powered encyclopedia in your pocket.

5. Image Wand: Perfect Your Sketches

For all you doodlers and artists out there, Image Wand is now integrated into the Notes app, allowing you to turn rough sketches into polished pieces of art. Using AI to enhance and refine your drawings, Image Wand can also fill in empty spaces with contextual images based on your notes. It’s a handy tool for anyone who loves to sketch or brainstorm visually.

Other Notable Features in iOS 18.2 Beta

1. Mail App Overhaul

Apple has made significant improvements to the Mail app in iOS 18.2:

Smart Categorization: Emails are now automatically sorted into categories—Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions—helping you keep your inbox organized.

Larger Contact Photos: Contact pictures are now larger, offering a more visually engaging experience.

Digest View: This feature consolidates relevant emails from a specific business or service into one neat view, making it easier to track conversations.

These updates bring the Mail app closer to modern email client experiences, with a focus on usability and organization.

2. Default App Settings and EU-Specific Changes

In a big win for customization, iOS 18.2 lets users set default apps for Email, Messaging, Calling, and more. This is accessible worldwide through a new Defaults menu in the Settings app. Additionally, users in the European Union can now delete pre-installed apps like Safari, Camera, and Messages, giving them more flexibility in managing their devices.

3. Voice Memos Upgraded for iPhone 16 Pro

For iPhone 16 Pro users, the Voice Memos app gets a significant upgrade. You can now layer multiple audio tracks on top of each other, making it easier to create more dynamic recordings. Plus, you’ll be able to separate and edit these layers after recording, offering more flexibility for those who use Voice Memos for podcasts, interviews, or music.

4. Volume Limit Control

A new Volume Limit feature has been added to the Settings > Sounds & Haptics section, allowing users to set a maximum volume level for media playback on the iPhone’s built-in speaker. This feature is particularly useful for protecting your hearing or controlling how loud your iPhone gets in public. It’s worth noting that this limit won’t affect phone calls, FaceTime, emergency alerts, or system sounds.

Regional and EU-Specific Changes

1. Expanded Regional Support for Apple Intelligence

iOS 18.2 expands Apple Intelligence to additional English-speaking regions, including:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• United Kingdom

This means more users worldwide can now take advantage of Apple Intelligence features like Genmoji, Image Playground, and Writing Tools.

2. EU-Specific Changes

As part of ongoing adjustments to comply with European Union regulations, iOS 18.2 introduces a number of changes for EU users:

• Browser Choice Screen: Users can now choose which browser they want to use as their default, with alternatives to Safari readily available.
• Deletable Default Apps: Users in the EU can now delete pre-installed apps like Safari, Messages, Camera, and Photos, allowing for a more personalized iPhone experience.
• Developer Updates: Developers can now develop and test EU-specific features worldwide, such as alternative browser engines, contactless apps, and marketplace installations from web browsers.

Additional Changes in iOS 18.2 Beta 1

Safari Enhancements: A new option in Settings > Apps > Safari allows users to import or export browsing history and website data.

Generate Image Shortcut: While not yet functional, a Generate Image shortcut action has been added, suggesting more AI-powered image creation features are on the horizon.

Podcasts App Improvements: You can now mark specific podcast categories as favorites, making it easier to follow your preferred genres.

Apple Arcade: A new toggle allows you to disable Game Previews in Apple Arcade, which can streamline the browsing experience if you want to skip preview trailers.

Control Center: A new Type to Siri widget has been added to Control Center, making it easier to interact with Siri through text rather than voice commands.

App Icons: App icons in the Settings app and Share Sheet now match your current Home Screen theme, creating a more cohesive and personalized visual experience.

What’s Next for iOS 18.2?

As the beta testing phase continues, iOS 18.2 is expected to bring even more enhancements before its official public release. For now, developers can explore these features and give feedback on how they improve functionality. With Apple Intelligence gaining new features and customization options expanding across apps, iOS 18.2 is shaping up to be a significant update for Apple users.

Final Thoughts

iOS 18.2 Beta 1 introduces an impressive lineup of features, especially for those interested in Apple’s AI advancements. From Genmoji and Image Playground to ChatGPT integration with Siri, this update brings more personalized, creative, and intelligent capabilities to your iPhone. The enhanced Mail app, Visual Intelligence tools, and new default app settings show Apple’s commitment to giving users more control and customization options.

As always, remember that this is beta software, and while it’s fun to explore the new features, you should back up your data before installing it. We’re looking forward to seeing how these features evolve as we get closer to the official iOS 18.2 release.

If you’re a developer, don’t wait—download the iOS 18.2 beta 1 today and dive into all the new features Apple has to offer. For the rest of us, stay tuned for the public release and get ready to experience a smarter, more customizable iPhone!