Apple’s next set of AI features is set to launch in early December with the iOS 18.2 update.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, this update will bring significant enhancements to Apple Intelligence, including integration with the ChatGPT chatbot, a new app called Image Playground for creating custom images, and a feature for generating personalized emojis known as Genmoji.
iOS 18.2 Update
The iOS 18.2 update will also expand support for various English dialects beyond the American version, with plans to include support for the European Union in a later release. However, support for China is not anticipated until iOS 19.
Other updates in the pipeline include a potential integration with Google Gemini, though it’s expected that OpenAI will maintain a period of exclusivity. The update will provide additional features for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, including:
- Genmoji: A tool for creating custom emojis.
- Image Playground: For generating cartoon-like images.
- Image Wand: A feature in the Notes app that transforms rough sketches into full images.
- ChatGPT Integration: Siri will also receive ChatGPT capabilities.
The iOS 18.2 update will offer localized English support for the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Additionally, the update will introduce new features such as a “Default Apps” section in Settings, daily Sudoku puzzles for Apple News+ subscribers in the U.S., and an iMessage nudity reporting option in Australia.
Mark Gurman anticipates that the iOS 18.2 update will be available during the week of December 2, 2024, assuming no delays. The next major update, iOS 18.4, expected in April, will enhance Siri’s functionality by allowing it to access user data for personalized responses.
Gurman also reported two significant developments:
Pixelmator Acquisition
Apple recently agreed to acquire Pixelmator, a popular image editing company. Pixelmator confirmed in a blog post that the deal is subject to regulatory approval.
The Pixelmator team stated there will be “no material changes” to Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator apps “at this time.” Pixelmator’s tools, known for their AI features like background removal and Super Resolution, will potentially see broader integration within Apple’s creative ecosystem.
Pixelmator’s founders expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition by Apple, highlighting the company’s design focus. They stated that this partnership will enable them to reach a broader audience and have a more significant impact on the creative community globally.
Mac Mini for Gaming
The latest Mac mini, equipped with M4 and M4 Pro chips, may position Apple as a competitor to gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Priced at $599, the base model includes 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, aligning its performance with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The $1,399 M4 Pro variant surpasses even older Mac Pro and Mac Studio models.
Apple aims to enhance the Mac mini’s gaming capabilities with updated Metal graphics software, support for third-party controllers, and a game porting toolkit. However, the Mac gaming library still lacks the depth of titles available on rival platforms, though recent releases like Death Stranding and the promise of Cyberpunk 2077 reflect progress.
Gurman concludes that the new hardware may encourage developers to bring more major games to the Mac ecosystem.