Apple iOS 18.2 drops, integrates ChatGPT in second wave of Apple Intelligence

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) unleashed the second wave of Apple Intelligence today as it released iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2.

The update builds on Apple Intelligence features of the iPhone, iPad and Mac, as the Cupertino-based company takes a more private approach to AI with its on-device capabilities.

The update also advances the Microsoft-backed (MSFT) mega startup OpenAI as ChatGPT is now integrated into Siri and Writing Tools.

“Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power it run entirely on device,” Apple said. “For requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence.”

New features include:

• Image Playground: allows users to create an array of images, including 3D and animation. It is integrated into Messages and other apps.
• Genmoji: users can create unique emojis from text descriptions and photos.
• Image Wand: used in Notes to transform simple sketches into polished and detailed images.
• Writing Tools: adds “Describe Your Change” which allows users to input descriptions to sharpen or improve writings.
• Visual Intelligence: Camera Control can translate languages, identify items or places from surrounding environs, find numbers and emails, and summarize text with a point and click approach.
• ChatGPT: integrates the AI chatbot into Siri and Writing Tools.

The update is available today in most regions around the world when a device and Siri are set to English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK or the US. Apple Intelligence feature are slated to roll out in the EU in April 2025.

Some analysts have surmised the iOS 18.2 update could provide a catalyst for Apple.

“Our view is Apple’s AI rollout over the next few months kick-starts a new era for Cupertino as ultimately hundreds of AI-driven apps get built by developers on top of the building blocks of Apple Intelligence,” said Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives.