In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral part of our daily lives, tech giants like Apple are scrambling to catch up with the likes of Google and Samsung. With the public release of iOS 18.2, Apple has finally shipped a set of AI features that resembles its competitors’, but is it enough to make a significant impact?
A Bumpy Ride so Far
My experience with Apple’s AI features has been a mixed bag of occasionally helpful suggestions, sometimes way off base ideas, and often good for a laugh. Suggested replies aren’t new in iOS 18.2, but they’re a piece of the Apple Intelligence feature set that’s falling into place.
The Suggestion Feature
One of my most memorable experiences with Apple’s AI was when I was planning lunch with a friend. The Ritz, an Indian place on 2nd, was the original suggestion, but then Apple Intelligence swooped in with another idea: "How about The Ritz?" appeared above the keyboard as a suggested response, highlighted in that telltale AI rainbow glow. While it’s amusing to see these suggestions pop up, they often feel like a novelty rather than a genuinely helpful tool.
The Minimum Viable Product
Apple took its time getting here. The first set of AI features dropped with iOS 18.1 at the end of October, including notification and email summaries, generative writing tools, and a cleanup tool to take distractions out of photos. It felt like a deeply minimum viable product, but Apple had to get something out the door for its "built for Apple Intelligence" iPhones.
iOS 18.2: A More Substantial Update
Now, iOS 18.2 has officially arrived after months of beta testing with a meatier set of updates: the Image Playground app for AI image generation, Genmoji, and a ChatGPT extension for Siri. You also get Visual Intelligence, but only with an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, for reasons that are unclear.
Visual Intelligence
There’s more to come, of course, but Apple has finally shipped a set of AI features that resembles Samsung’s and Google’s. The problem is that all of those phone makers are still a long way from delivering the AI smartphones we’ve been promised.
Siri’s Newfound Powers
One notable addition in iOS 18.2 is the ability to direct AI to make a piece of writing sound a certain way. You’re no longer bound by just "professional" or "friendly" descriptions; you can make it sound like Mr. T wrote your email, and it will inject a bunch of ‘I pity the fool,’ which I’ll give it a little credit for, because that’s kind of hilarious.
The Problem with AI on Phones
My biggest problem with AI on phones right now is that it often does what it’s supposed to do. But it’s rarely helpful and doesn’t feel like it’s solving any real problem I was having. That’s been my complaint about this year’s devices from Google and Samsung; now, Apple is at least in the conversation.
Conclusion
While Apple’s AI features are a step in the right direction, they’re still a novelty rather than a genuinely helpful tool. With equal pressure to deliver something in 2025 that isn’t just a collection of funny tricks – the novelty is wearing off fast. Only time will tell if Apple can truly make a meaningful impact with its AI features.
Comments
- I’m loving this new direction for Siri! The ability to have Mr. T write my emails is pure genius.
- I agree that the Image Playground app is a game-changer. The possibilities are endless!
- Can someone please explain why Visual Intelligence is only available on iPhone 16 and 16 Pro? It seems like a weird restriction.
References
- Apple’s official website
- iOS 18.2 release notes
- TechCrunch: "Apple Finally Ships AI Features in iOS 18.2"
- The Verge: "iOS 18.2 brings new AI features to Siri and more"
This article is a compilation of my thoughts on the latest Apple Intelligence features, including the Image Playground app, Genmoji, and ChatGPT extension for Siri. I hope you found it informative and entertaining!