The next batch of Apple Intelligence features are expected this month via iOS 18.2. Though initial reports hyped a Dec. 2 arrival, it now looks more likely that we’ll see it this week after the release candidate dropped on Thursday.
When Apple Intelligence debuted in October with iOS 18.1, the features were a bit of a letdown. None have revolutionized the way we use Apple devices just yet, and I’ve found myself wanting to turn off the AI-powered notification summaries at times.
The iOS 18.2 feature drop is critical for Apple to build momentum around its flagship AI product. That’s tough to do with a phased rollout; the full Siri overhaul isn’t expected until 2026. Is Apple breadcrumbing us? Perhaps, but since the whole system is a bit nebulous—it’s not a single AI feature, but rather a collection of them baked into the OS—maybe that’s the only way to do it.
Here’s what to expect with the iOS 18.2 update, for those with the following eligible devices:
ChatGPT Integration
The next iOS update will bring a much-anticipated ChatGPT integration. When you ask Siri something, you will have the option to route the inquiry through OpenAI’s chatbot instead. This could be especially useful for the type-to-Siri capability that arrived with iOS 18.1, which we found was not as information-rich as other chatbots on the market today.
Access to ChatGPT won’t require a paid subscription, though ChatGPT Plus subscribers can connect their accounts and access paid features. There should also be an option to upgrade to Plus from within iOS. Apple is reportedly not paying OpenAI to use its tech; the exposure to the iPhone userbase is reportedly payment enough, with OpenAI betting it will convert to more $20-per-month ChatGPT Plus subscriptions.
The screenshot above also notes a message cap: “You’ll have access to ChatGPT’s advanced capabilities until you reach your daily limit,” at which point “additional requests will use the basic version (of ChatGPT) for up to 24 hours.”
Visual Intelligence
Those with an iPhone 16 will be able to use the new Camera Control button to learn about objects in your photos. Pressing down on the button will take a picture, and send it to an AI like ChatGPT for analysis. Camera Control will also sync with third-party apps, so it could ask Google where to buy an item featured in your pics, for example.
This capability, known as “visual search,” can be helpful when you come across an unknown object, or a restaurant or store you want to know more about. Android devices, Google Lens, ChatGPT, Claude, and many other AI tools already offer it. Apple is keeping up with the competition here, but it’s still likely to be a useful and welcome update.
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The iOS 18.1 update added Writing Tools, which can compose or edit written communications. When you’re crafting a text or email, highlight the text, and tap a pop-up to revamp it. With this month’s update, Writing Tools “will get even more powerful,” with the ability to describe a specific change to the text, like asking it to “make a dinner party read like a poem.” The ChatGPT integration will bring more knowledge into Writing Tools and Siri. This should improve the output, particularly with better image generation and “document-understanding capabilities.”
Writing Tools with iOS 18.1 (Credit: Emily Forlini)
Genmoji and Image Playground
(Credit: Apple)
Apple is giving us a fun set of AI-generated image capabilities to play with. With Genmojis, you can create a custom emoji that fits the conversation you’re having. This can be a way to get creative and get some extra laughs from your friends and family.
A new Image Playground will become a hub for all AI-generated images you create with Apple Intelligence. There, you can edit them, create new ones, and alter photos imported from your Photos library. Once you’ve finished your creation, you can share it via Messages and other apps. Apple says all AI-generated images will be created through its on-device, private cloud compute.
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About Emily Dreibelbis Forlini
Senior Reporter
I’m the expert at PCMag for all things electric vehicles and AI. I’ve written hundreds of articles on these topics, including product reviews, daily news, CEO interviews, and deeply reported features. I also cover other topics within the tech industry, keeping a pulse on what technologies are coming down the pipe that could shape how we live and work.
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