Apple’s iOS 18.2 beta, scheduled for a public release in December, introduces a powerful new set of features to iPhones, particularly focusing on battery management improvements, further integration of Apple Intelligence, and enhanced customization options.
Set to enhance both functionality and user experience, iOS 18.2 aims to improve how iPhones manage battery health and introduce more AI-driven tools for customization, creativity, and everyday productivity. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s coming with iOS 18.2.
Battery: Charging Time Estimation and More
One of the most anticipated additions in iOS 18.2 is the “Battery Intelligence” feature, which Apple hopes will transform how users understand and manage their device’s battery life. While Android users have long enjoyed estimated charging times, this functionality is now set to make its debut on iPhones.
Battery Intelligence is a framework that aims to provide users with an estimated time until the battery reaches a specific charge level, or when it will reach full capacity. For many iPhone users, this is a welcomed addition, as it brings a higher level of predictability, particularly when preparing to go off-grid or planning device usage during the day.
How Battery Intelligence Works
Battery Intelligence operates in the background, analyzing charging patterns and adjusting estimates based on factors such as:
- Battery Health: Aging batteries may charge more slowly, so Battery Intelligence takes this into account.
- Charger Type: It identifies if the charger in use is “slow” or “fast.” For instance, if the iPhone is connected to a lower-powered charger, the system will indicate that charging will take longer.
- Current Charge Limit: iOS 18 already allows users to set charge limits between 80% and 95% to prolong battery life. Battery Intelligence will estimate the time to reach these specific caps, not just 100%, making it relevant even for users who employ these charge management options.
This new addition will function similarly to macOS’s charging time estimates for MacBooks, where the time remaining is displayed in the battery menu. While it isn’t yet active in the beta version, it is expected that Apple will enable it either in the stable release of iOS 18.2 or in a future update, such as iOS 18.3 in 2025.
Apple Intelligence Features Expanding with iOS 18.2
The iOS 18.2 update builds on Apple Intelligence’s debut in iOS 18.1, which introduced features like Notification Summaries and the ability to remove objects from photos. iOS 18.2 goes further, integrating a variety of new AI-driven functionalities that bring Apple closer to offering an all-in-one digital assistant powered by machine learning.
1. Genmoji: Personalized Emoji Creation
With over 3,000 emoji already available, the Genmoji feature takes customization a step further, enabling users to describe an emoji concept and have it generated automatically. Users can access Genmoji by selecting the emoji keyboard, typing a description, and then selecting the “Create New Emoji” option if their desired emoji doesn’t exist. This feature is currently accessible only to those with iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone 16 lineup, as it leverages Apple’s advanced AI processing capabilities, making Genmoji one of the standout features of Apple Intelligence.
2. Visual Intelligence: Apple’s Answer to Google Lens
Visual Intelligence empowers iPhones to identify objects through the camera, including animals, plants, and products. This tool extends its functionality by integrating with ChatGPT to help users gain more context on items or text onscreen, providing a deep learning-backed search experience.
Additionally, Visual Intelligence allows users to detect phone numbers for contacts, scan QR codes, and translate languages instantly. This feature is activated through a new “camera control side-button” on the iPhone 16 series, where users can quickly launch Visual Intelligence by long-pressing the button, which has replaced the SIM card tray.
3. Image Playground: Generative Art Creation
The Image Playground feature is an interactive app within iOS 18.2, enabling users to generate images based on text prompts. Users can select a style, from 3D cartoony designs to more detailed illustrations, and enter multiple prompts to refine the final image. Image Playground can even insert photos of friends or family into the generated image, adding a unique layer of personalization.
4. Siri and ChatGPT Integration: Enhanced Virtual Assistant Capabilities
With iOS 18.2, Siri has entered what Apple refers to as a “new era” by offering glowing light effects and integrating with ChatGPT. Now, users can use ChatGPT for specific requests through Siri, with or without a ChatGPT account.
For those with a paid ChatGPT Plus subscription, additional functionality is unlocked within the assistant, though Apple warns users to verify information due to potential AI errors. When a user activates Siri with Apple Intelligence enabled, the screen shows a glowing effect instead of the typical logo. Users can also copy Siri and ChatGPT responses to paste elsewhere, enhancing the utility of Apple’s virtual assistant.
5. Additional Functional Enhancements in iOS 18.2
1. Mail Categories: Enhanced Organization
iOS 18.2 introduces a Gmail-like categorization feature to the Mail app, allowing users to separate important emails from promotions or social notifications. Although not perfect (some emails may be miscategorized), this feature is easily toggled off for users who prefer a simpler inbox view.
2. Find My App Upgrades
The Find My app has received a significant update in iOS 18.2, allowing users to share the location of their devices through a link. This temporary link lasts for one week, making it easy to ask others to help locate a missing item. An additional feature, “Show Contact Info,” enables finders of lost items to contact the owner, making it simpler to retrieve misplaced belongings.
3. Security Upgrades: Trusting Computers with Face ID
Apple has introduced a security enhancement that allows users to “Trust” a computer connection using Face ID instead of a passcode. Previously, this feature was limited to passcode entry. This small but impactful update makes it easier for users to sync devices or transfer data securely without the need to input a passcode, offering a more seamless user experience.
4. Broader Accessibility and Compatibility
Apple has stated that iOS 18.2’s new features will not be available in the European Union due to the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the Digital Markets Act, which imposes interoperability requirements. The company has instead focused on expanding Apple Intelligence for compatible Macs in the EU and aims to bring similar features to the Chinese market, despite ongoing regulatory challenges.
What’s Next for iOS?
Apple’s roadmap for iOS 18 includes even more updates in the future, with a third wave of features expected in early 2025. This update promises broader Siri capabilities, more third-party app integrations, and support for languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Developers can expect further integration through the App Intents feature, which will allow Siri to control hundreds of actions within compatible applications.
Final Thoughts
iOS 18.2 is shaping up to be a significant milestone, bringing highly anticipated features like Battery Intelligence and groundbreaking AI enhancements. From generative emoji creation with Genmoji to enhanced visual recognition through Visual Intelligence, the update reinforces Apple’s commitment to making its devices smarter, more intuitive, and deeply integrated with daily routines. While Apple has yet to announce an official release date, the iOS 18.2 update is expected to roll out to the public in December. As Apple continues to refine its AI capabilities and focus on user-centric design, iOS 18.2 could mark one of the most transformative updates for the iPhone experience.
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