iOS 18.2 scheduled for release in early December

According to a report by US news agency Bloomberg, the next version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 18.2, will be released in early December – earlier than expected. The update mainly includes additional functions for artificial intelligence Apple Intelligence. One focus is on image building.

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How Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman writesHe is expected to be released in the week of December 2. This will be slightly earlier than related software updates in previous years. iOS 17.2 will be released on December 11, 2023, iOS 16.2 on December 13, 2022. However, Gurman says the schedule could also be postponed if unexpected delays occur.

Image Playground, Genmoji and Image Wall

The previously released developer beta of iOS 18.2 includes the AI ​​image functions Image Playground, Zenmoji, and Image Wand for the first time. Genmojis are personalized emojis created by AI that can be sent to messaging apps, for example. The Image Playground app lets you create images and graphics using templates, address book contacts, and keyboard input. Image Wand is an extension of the drawing tools that can be found in the Notes app. Sketches can be converted into images by circling with Apple Pencil or your finger. It is also possible to describe an image in AI, which is then created as a kind of clipart.

EU Commission: iPadOS will now also have to follow new rules

With iOS 18.2, Apple is also introducing the ability to pass AI requests to ChatGPT. This can be used, for example, to create entire text based on keywords. The 16th generation iPhones will have access to visual intelligence announced for the first time, along with new camera controls. It allows devices to identify objects and locations based on camera images.

EU users will have to wait till April

However, AI functions are initially only available to users who have activated US English or, in the future, other English language variants. For EU citizens, Apple Intelligence functions are still not available with iOS 18.2. Apple has promised a release in April 2025.

With 18.2, EU users can remove other Apple apps like the App Store, Safari, Camera app, Photos, and Messages. Additionally, Apple is opening the system to alternative browser engines for the first time.

(MKI)

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