Apple is gearing up to release iOS 26 this fall, introducing a game-changer in the form of Liquid Glass for your iPhone. But why wait? The recent iOS 18.2 update launched in December has already brought in a plethora of exciting features. Notably, Apple Intelligence enhancements have rolled out, including Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and the innovative ChatGPT integrated Siri, notably for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 16 lineup. Even users with older devices haven’t been left behind, as they get to enjoy an updated Mail app and more.
Glowing Siri and ChatGPT
With Apple Intelligence, Siri has entered a “new era.” When you invoke Siri, instead of just seeing the familiar logo, you’ll experience a glowing light around your screen. This update allows users to access ChatGPT directly through Siri for enriched queries. While the AI chatbot offers a fascinating glimpse into a new way of searching, remember that outputs can vary. For instance, I once asked how to brew coffee, and Siri delivered conflicting steps in different requests. Additionally, a handy copy button allows you to store responses for later use, making Siri even more versatile.
Genmoji
With over 3,000 emojis, it’s often tricky to find the exact one you want. Enter Genmoji, an intelligent emoji generator that customizes emojis based on your descriptions. To create one, tap the emoji keyboard, type in what you’re looking for, and hit Create New Emoji if it doesn’t exist. Your iPhone will then showcase several variations for you to select.
Visual Intelligence
Apple’s response to Google Lens, Visual Intelligence, enables your iPhone to identify objects in real-time. Pointing your camera at an item, like a dog, lets you gather information on it right away, with added functionalities like contact creation from phone numbers and translation. For iPhone 16 owners, accessing this feature has never been easier, particularly with the new camera control side-button.
Image Playground
Taking creativity a step further, Image Playground lets you create entire images based on text prompts. By tapping the plus (+) icon while messaging, you can generate unique images in various styles. While funny outcomes may emerge (like an astronaut balancing in an unconventional way), the feature encourages you to explore your artistic side by allowing you to incorporate personal photos as well.
Find My Improvements
The Find My app has seen significant enhancements. iOS 18.2 introduces options like Share Item Location and Show Contact Info. With the former, users can create a link to help others notify them if their items are found. The latter allows for seamless connectivity for lost items, ensuring that you get back what you’ve misplaced, even during travel-heavy seasons.
New Mail Categories
The revamped Mail app now sorts emails into categories, making your inbox more organized. However, it’s not perfect—the app can misclassify important messages, so adjustments are still needed. If you’d rather keep it simple, you can switch back to List View anytime.
Volume Slider Returns
The volume slider makes its comeback on your lock screen. Head to Settings > Accessibility > Audio and Visual to enable the slider, giving you precise control over your audio without needing to unlock your phone.
iPhone Speaker Volume Limit
Concerned about loud sounds damaging your iPhone’s speakers? The new volume limit feature allows you to restrict the maximum sound level, giving you peace of mind, especially for younger users.
Change Default Apps
Prefer a different messaging or email app? With iOS 18.2, you can now set alternatives as your default apps, allowing for a more customized experience on your device.
Sudoku for Apple News Plus Subscribers
Subscribers of Apple News Plus now have access to daily Sudoku puzzles, adding a fun, brain-teasing element to the service.
Camera Toggle Enhancements
For those in the iPhone 16 lineup, a new setting simplifies camera access. With the toggle, you can open the camera with a single press, even if your screen is off, but keep an eye out for accidental activations.
For detailed release notes, visit Apple‘s official channels to stay updated on all improvements and fixes brought by iOS 18.2. Expect even more exciting features in the upcoming iOS 26 release!
Some features may not be available for all regions or all Apple devices.
For detailed coverage on other features, check the updates on iOS, iPhone, and the latest from Apple.