Apple Introduces iOS 18.2 Public Beta 2: Enhanced AI and More Features
Developers and public beta testers can now explore the latest features of iOS 18.2 Public Beta 2, which brings more than just AI to your iPhone. Released on November 12, a day after the third developer beta, this update arrives roughly two weeks after the general public release of iOS 18.1, which included various new features and fixes. While iOS 18.1 provided updates to all iPhones, the latest beta emphasizes advancements in AI, specifically for developers and beta testers with iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone 16 lineup.
Other iPhones will miss out on these AI features until the full release of iOS 18.2.
Key Features in iOS 18.2 Public Beta 2
1. Find My Improvements:
– The Find My app, already useful for locating items like AirPods and MacBooks, gets new features in the beta. Users can generate a shareable link for lost items, allowing others to notify them if the item is found.
The links expire after one week. Additionally, users can display contact info for found items, making it easier for others to return them. 2.
Mail Categories Update:
– The Mail app now sorts emails into multiple categories such as Primary and Promotions, similar to Gmail and Outlook. While this helps organize emails, the categorization isn’t always perfect and can misplace items. Users have the option to revert to the old layout if preferred.
3. Volume Slider on Lock Screen:
– A previously removed feature, the volume slider is back on the lock screen for more precise volume control. This can be enabled via Settings > Accessibility > Audio and Visual > Always Show Volume Control.
4. iPhone Speaker Volume Limit:
– Users can now set a maximum volume limit on an iPhone to prevent damage to speakers or avoid disturbance. This limit does not apply to calls or Find My sounds and can be set via Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Volume Limit.
New features in iOS 18.2 beta
5. Genmoji:
– This new feature allows users to describe an emoji they are looking for, and iOS will generate a new emoji based on the description.
Users can then permanently add this new “Genmoji” to their keyboard. 6. Visual Intelligence:
– Similar to Google Lens, this feature uses the iPhone’s camera to identify objects, create contacts from detected phone numbers, scan QR codes, and translate languages.
The feature is integrated with ChatGPT for enhanced understanding of images and texts on the screen. Currently, it’s only available on the iPhone 16 lineup due to its new camera control side-button. 7.
Image Playground:
– This new app allows users to create entire images based on text prompts. It offers various suggestions, themes, and art styles. Users can also incorporate photos into these prompts.
The feature can be accessed in Messages by tapping the plus (+) button to the left of the text box. 8. Glowing Siri and ChatGPT:
– Siri gains new capabilities with Apple Intelligence enhancements, including a glowing light around the screen when activated.
Users can conduct queries using Siri and get responses powered by ChatGPT. For example, asking Siri how to brew coffee will result in step-by-step instructions, although some minor inaccuracies may occur. While these features are available now to developers and public beta testers, users are advised to install the beta on a secondary device due to potential bugs and battery life issues.
There’s no public release date for iOS 18.2 yet, but the final version is anticipated to bring these features and possibly more to all users. For now, the focus remains on testing and refining these features to ensure a smoother experience upon their full release.
