Between ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence, the Apple firm is finally catching up with its competitors.
Here is the first public beta of iOS 18.2. Long considered late in the race for artificial intelligence, the Cupertino company integrates not only ChatGPT, but also a complete suite of AI tools called Apple Intelligence.
This important update, also available on iPadOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2, represents much more than a simple evolution: it is a big change in the Apple ecosystem.
Before talking to you about the new AI features in detail, note that iOS 18.2 incorporates some non-AI changes, including modifications to Dynamic Island (for example, to display downloads on Safari), temporary sharing of the position of an AirTag , a focusing function by half-pressing the photo button on the new iPhone 16/16 Pro, the remaining charging time when the iPhone is plugged in… but the main new features concern Apple Intelligence.
Smart ChatGPT integration
ChatGPT integration in iOS 18.2 deserves special attention. Contrary to what one might have feared, Apple has chosen a particularly accessible approach: no need for an account to use ChatGPT via Siri.
Nevertheless, users can still connect their existing account or subscribe to ChatGPT Plus directly from the system settings.
What’s new in Apple Intelligence
Image Playground represents perhaps the most ambitious innovation of this update. This AI image generator is integrated into the Apple ecosystem, including applications like Freeform, Notes and Messages.
The quality of the images generated is not necessarily at the level of DALL-E or Midjourney, but the seamless integration could make a difference.
Genmoji aims to bring a touch of freshness to the world of emojis. This feature, currently available exclusively on iOS and iPadOS, transforms your text descriptions into personalized emojis.
Visual Intelligencereserved for iPhone 16, is positioned as a direct competitor to Google Lens. While the hardware restriction may be frustrating, it is likely due to the performance requirements of this technology. This offers an object and text recognition tool, which is rather efficient according to initial feedback.
Image Wand is an iPad exclusive. This tool explains the Apple Pencil to edit images with the help of AI.
And for us?
For the moment, nothing is available in Europe (and therefore in France) nor in China. The geographical and linguistic limitations constitute the downside of this version.
We will have to wait until April 2025 to take full advantage of these features on iPhone and iPad.
To go further
Apple Intelligence finally in France: here is its release date on your iPhone and iPad
Those who want to try the development version of iOS 18.2 and other Apple operating systems must register for its beta program and follow the instructions.
Numerama propose a tutorial for using Apple Intelligence in Franceyou will need to use an App Store account created outside the European Union to activate Apple Intelligence. It’s not the simplest.
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