Apple’s iOS 18.2 Second Public Beta Adds Enhanced AI, Camera Shortcuts, and New Customization Features

Apple released a second public beta of iOS 18.2 on November 12, offering a mix of new AI tools and functional upgrades aimed at enhancing user experience. Arriving just a day after the third developer beta, this latest release continues Apple’s push toward a more integrated AI-powered ecosystem. While some updates are exclusive to certain devices,  iOS 18.2 beta introduces features accessible to a wider range of iPhone models, including improvements to the Find My app, new Mail sorting capabilities, and personalized emoji creation. 

Find My App Enhancements 

Find My app now includes two new options in the iOS 18.2 beta that could make it easier to retrieve lost items. Users can share item locations with or through a time-sensitive link, providing real-time assistance in finding misplaced devices or accessories. Additionally, a Show Contact Info feature allows those who find lost items to easily connect with the owner, making returns more convenient during the busy holiday season. 

Enhanced Mail Sorting 

To improve organization, Apple’s Mail app now incorporates automated email categorization, similar to Gmail and Outlook. Users can expect their inboxes to be sorted into categories like Primary and Promotions, though early users note that some important messages might still end up in promotions. If the new layout doesn’t suit users, switching back to the original list view is simple. 

Genmoji: Personalized Emoji Generation 

Genmoji, an Apple Intelligence feature, empowers users to create custom emojis by describing icon needs. Accessible to those with Apple Intelligence-enabled devices, Genmoji allows users to find or create unique emojis based on specific descriptions. Users can search for emojis in the keyboard’s emoji section, and if no existing icon matches, they can create new Genmojis that can be saved for later use. 

Visual Intelligence: Apple’s Answer to Google Lens 

Apple’s new Visual Intelligence feature offers a tool similar to Google Lens, enabling users to point their camera at objects to search, identify items, or gather more information. It also supports QR scanning, phone number detection, and language translation. For users with the latest iPhone 16 lineup, accessing this feature is made easier through the new camera control side button, which brings up Visual Intelligence with a long press. This update also includes an optional ChatGPT integration, which users can leverage to explore additional insights without needing a ChatGPT account. 

Image Playground: Generative Art in Messages 

A creative addition for those looking to personalize or communicate, Image Playground allows users to generate images based on text prompts. Accessible as a standalone app and within Messages, this tool includes prompts for inspiration and options to select art styles, providing customizable images for sharing. Image Playground also allows users to add personal photos or sketches as input, creating more tailored visuals. Although some images appear more experimental, the app delivers unique results that range from abstract to almost comical. 

Glowing Siri and ChatGPT Integration 

Apple’s updated Siri, enhanced with Apple Intelligence, now features a glowing screen outline when activated, adding visual feedback during voice commands. For iPhones with access to Apple Intelligence, users can also employ Siri to leverage ChatGPT. When activated, ChatGPT assists Siri in generating detailed responses, from recipe instructions to answers to complex questions. Users should note that while helpful, ChatGPT-generated content may require fact-checking. 

Require Screen on Camera Toggle 

For those with an iPhone 16, Apple has introduced a toggle for the camera control button, allowing users to open the camera without needing to wake the screen. Disabling the Require Screen On feature lets users start the camera with a single button press even if the screen is inactive. However, Apple cautions users about potential accidental launches of camera apps. 

Release Date and Final Version Expectations 

Since this is still in beta, Apple warns that iOS 18.2 is prone to bugs and may affect battery life, so it’s best used on a secondary device. Re is no official word on when Apple will release the final version, though new features are expected to roll out to the general public soon. For now, developers and beta testers get an early look at Apple’s push to embed AI more deeply into iPhone functionality. 

Conclusion 

Apple’s iOS 18.2 beta is shaping up to be one of its most feature-rich updates, particularly for users with newer iPhone models that can access the latest AI tools. Where these features revolutionize everyday use or serve as early testing for future capabilities, iOS 18.2 continues to drive Apple’s ambition of blending AI with a user-friendly design.