The next batch of iPhone AI features is almost here — and they look more impressive

• Apple's iOS 18.2 update is expected to launch this week with new AI features and improvements.
• The earlier release candidate version included ChatGPT integration, Genmojis, and Image Playground.
• The new features will be available to iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

If you shrugged at Apple's first AI features, the next batch may prove to be a more meaningful update.

Apple's iOS 18.2 release candidate version was released on Thursday, offering an early glimpse at what's expected to launch for users in the coming days.

Apple's AI software, Apple Intelligence, launched its first set of features on October 28. The upgrade included a revamped Siri, AI writing tools, smart replies, an updated Photos app, and a new focus mode called Reduce Interruptions.

It was a fraction of the flashy AI features Apple showed off at its Worldwide Developer Conference earlier this year, as the company decided to do a staggered rollout. This second wave of features will be followed by more launching next year.

So what can you expect when you update to iOS 18.2 later this week?

Anticipated features in the December update include tools like Genmojis and Image Playground, among others. Like the earlier Apple Intelligence features, the newest AI features will be available for all iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

ChatGPT integration

Siri received some enhancements in the iOS 18.1 update, but the iOS 18.2 update will further improve the voice assistant and allow integrated access to ChatGPT. With iOS 18.2, users will have access to the popular OpenAI chatbot through Siri and they'll be able to access the tool by talking to the voice assistant or typing to it.

Visual Intelligence

The new update will also allow iPhone 16 users to gather information by pointing their device at an object.

The tool is similar to Google Lens, which does reverse image searches and helps identify landmarks, plants, and other objects or places.

Genmojis

For those who prefer to communicate with emojis over the written word, Genmojis could be a game changer.

The new update allows users to be more playful and interactive in their messages, creating custom emojis right from the keyboard and animated Genmojis of themselves, similar to Bitmoji.

Image Playground

Apple's Image Playground is its answer to popular AI image generators like OpenAI's Dall-E or Midjourney. The tool was first demonstrated at Apple's WWDC conference earlier this year.

Image Playground users can create images based on a specific description or concept and will be able to select different formats like animation. The tool will be available as its own app and will also be accessible through third-party apps.

Photo updates

iOS 18.2 is expected to introduce several photo updates, including video enhancements like improvements for navigating Collections and the ability to view a video more finely, which can be helpful with editing. Users also have the option to clear their Recently Viewed and Recently Shared album history, and Favorites will appear in the Utility and Pinned Collection.

Other updates

Apple's Mail app is getting an AI makeover that will categorize emails based on their priority level. The update will give access to the "digest" view, which organizes all emails from a sender in one place.

Apple's internet browser Safari should also receive some changes, including new customizable background images for the start page.

Apple is also expected to introduce Image Wand, a new tool for the iPad that turns sketches and written notes into images in the Notes app.

Apple is also releasing some bug fixes and improvements with iOS 18.2, including a Podcast update that allows users to choose their favorite categories and get relevant recommendations in their library.