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Apple’s iOS 18.2 update is finally here. In one of Apple’s most anticipated software updates for years, iPhone users are now able to access Apple Intelligence. The release date was originally set for Monday 9th December, but that never materialised.
After a rare scheduling delay from Apple, iOS 18.2 was eventually released on 11th December 2024.
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s bespoke, predominantly on-device, AI system which can help users perform tasks like writing messages, summarising notes and editing images. It has been available in the USA since it was announced on 28th October on a range of iPads, iMacs and iPhones.
Below, we’ll explore how and when you can download Apple Intelligence and some of the features you can expect to use. Let’s get into it!
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Which iPhones can use Apple Intelligence?
Not all devices that can download iOS 18.2 will have access to Apple Intelligence. The only iPhone models compatible with Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models.
iOS 18.2 is compatible with iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, but none of these devices will be able to use Apple Intelligence. This is largely down to the chips inside older iPhones.
Apple Intelligence takes up a significant chunk of processing power so a larger number of CPUs and GPUs in newer iPhone chips makes them optimal for hosting AI capabilities.
How to download Apple Intelligence
Users with a compatible iPhone will be able to install the iOS 18.2 software update on Monday 9th December. When the software update has been fully installed, Apple Intelligence will automatically be added to your iPhone.
You will need to accept some updated privacy terms before being able to use Apple Intelligence, but after that, you’re good to go!
Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence has been available in the USA and in beta format in the UK since October 2024. Therefore, we already know the features to expect in the iOS 18.2 update. Here are some of the flagship Apple Intelligence features:
- Genmoji: A generative AI tool that creates a unique emoji based on descriptive text written by the user. This takes place within the iMessage app.
- Image Playground: Turn images and descriptions of people into stylised images. For example, you can ask Apple Intelligence to make an image of you wearing a cap in front of a mountain. This doesn’t produce photo-realistic images.
- Writing Tools: The Writing Tools feature operates system-wide, as opposed to within specific apps, to perform various tasks like summarising long messages/notes or creating entirely new messages to send.
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- Siri: Apple Intelligence will give a long-needed update to Siri’s capabilities. On a basic level, Apple Intelligence gives Siri a more conversational tone and enhanced accuracy in the answers it gives. But Apple Intelligence also more deeply integrates Siri into other apps, allowing it to perform functions like autonomously sending more complex messages or searching Spotlight for files.
- Image editing: Apple Intelligence adds generative capabilities to the Photos app. You will be able to use AI to erase unwanted objects from your photos, select empty areas of a photo to create an entirely new image based on the surrounding areas and more extensively search your photo albums to find what you’re looking for.
- Focus: Use AI to reduce interruptions from your phone by filtering messages based on urgency.
Other iOS 18.2 features
In all iOS updates, there are lots of smaller changes made to the software too. Here are some of the more significant new features beyond Apple Intelligence:
– Mail App Categorisation: Apple’s mail app now has new built-in categories for emails such as Deals, Newsletters and Transactions, larger contact images, and the ability to group emails by sender.
– Find My Enhancements: You will now be able to share a device’s location via links accessible on non-Apple devices, with an option to display contact info on lost items.
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– Default Apps Section: There is a new settings section to manage default apps for Email, Messaging, Browsing, and more, with expanded options in the EU.
– Control Center Updates: New quick access to the Type to Siri function and other adjustments like removing Satellite controls and updating Adaptive Audio icons.
– Volume Limit: A new toggle to limit maximum audio volume in the Sound & Haptics settings.
– iMessage Reporting (Australia): A tool for children to report inappropriate iMessages, with global expansion planned later.
Apple Intelligence on other Apple devices
It’s not just iPhones receiving an update, Apple’s other devices are all receiving similar software upgrades.
macOS Sequoia 15.2, iPadOS 18.2, tvOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2, HomePod 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 have also been released for their respective devices. Not all will have Apple Intelligence capabilities, but certain iPads and Macs will.
