iOS 18.2 developer beta released: 5 features we can’t wait to try out

Apple is now rolling out the iOS 18.2 Developer Beta 1 update ahead of the much-anticipated release of iOS 18.1. This new developer beta update comes with a bunch of features beyond the phase one Apple Intelligence features we have been hearing about.

While the public roll out of this update will still take a long time, the developer beta does give a glimpse at some of the upcoming exciting features. Here are five such features that we just can’t wait to try out.

5 upcoming iOS 18.2 features worth waiting for

In the new developer beta, Apple Intelligence features have been expanded. Since only a handful of features were rolled out with the prior beta updates, iOS 18.2 adds some more features that were mentioned at the Apple Event. Five such noteworthy features include:

1. Default apps customisation

2. Removable Apple apps

3. ChatGPT integration

4. Visual Intelligence

5. Image Playground

1. Default apps customisation

iOS 18.2 will let you set your own default apps. While this option has been available for some time, it has been restricted to the likes of browsing, maps, etc. Now more be customised as per user preferences.

Apple allows users to pick new default apps through a new Default Apps section in the Settings app. With a few quick taps, users can change their default apps including the calling and messaging apps.

2. Apple apps can be removed

The new update provides users with an option to hide Apple apps from their iPhones in the United States. This includes apps like the App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera and even the Photos app. However, if you are based in the EU, the iOS 18.2 will allow you to delete these apps altogether. For obvious reasons, users will not be able to delete the Settings and Phone apps.

If the users feel like adding them again, the Apple apps can be re-downloaded from the App Installation section in the Settings app.

3. ChatGPT integration

With iOS 18.2, Apple has integrated ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence and Siri – a feature that was showcased when Apple Intelligence was first announced during WWDC 24.

Users can now get enhanced results from Siri via ChatGPT and they will be alerted with a prompt to let them know when data is being shared with ChatGPT for a response. However, users can disable the prompts where Siri asks for permission to send data to ChatGPT, if required.

4. Visual Intelligence

iOS 18.2 takes advantage of the new Camera Control switch on the iPhone 16 series to enable Visual Intelligence – a Google Lens like feature that allows users to point their iPhone to a subject and quickly get relevant information on the same.

Those on the beta can simply long press the Camera Control button to pull up the visual intelligence interface. The users can then point the camera viewfinder towards an object and the iPhone will search for it on the web or ask ChatGPT for more information.

5. Image Playground

Image Playground leverages generative AI to generate images based on text prompts. This feature also includes Genmoji and Image wand. Genmoji is a tool that can create customised emojis. The generated images can then be shared in apps such as Messages, Notes, and Keynote. On the other hand, an Image Wand feature that can transform a rough sketch into an image in the Notes app.

ALSO READ: 7 cool iOS 18.1 features besides Apple Intelligence to watch out for

It is important to note that using Image Playground while writing requires separate access which users can request for, after installing the update.

These features will allow room for users to try some of the features that Apple promised months ago. However, if your iPhone is your daily driver, we don’t recommend switching to the developer beta just yet, as a number of bugs may get in the way of your daily tasks.