iOS 18.2 rollout LIVE: iPhones, iPads and Macs just got a massive Apple Intelligence upgrade

The iOS 18.2 rollout is underway as Apple finally brings the second wave of Apple Intelligence features to compatible iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. This includes several major new integrations, like the seriously impressive Visual Intelligence tool.

It's also a significant update for iPhone users in the U.K., Australia and a few other countries outside the U.S. who will now be able to access the AI features without needing to set their devices to US English.

Apple Intelligence is undoubtedly the headline act but as a reminder, it's only compatible with iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and the iPhone 16 series of phones. For the record, here's why it's worth upgrading your iPhone to get access.

But that doesn't mean iOS 18.2 isn't a bumper upgrade for all Apple users — noteworthy non-AI features include an update to Find My that lets you share AirTag locations with trusted friends or the option to view fullscreen videos in the redesigned Photos app.

The nature of software rollouts mean they won't hit everyone all at once, but we're following along with the update process live — as well as calling out some of our favorite features below — so you can stay updated with the latest changes you're getting on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Top New Apple Intelligence Features

Apple Intelligence is Apple's tightly integrated suite of AI solutions that will touch almost all areas of your iPhone. Here are some of the best new features you're going to want to try out as soon as you've updated.

• Image Playground: Apple’s new AI image generator that lets you turn a description or person into an image with fun style options.
• Genmoji: Genmoji lets you create your own emoji using the keyboard. Can also be shared as Stockers or Tapbacks.
• Writing Tools Describe your change. New feature lets you describe a specific change you want to make to your text, such as adding more dynamic action words to a resume.
• Visual intelligence: Helps users instantly learn about objects and places instantly, thanks to the new Camera Control on the iPhone 16 series. Think of it as Google Lens on steroids.
• ChatGPT integration: Siri can tap into ChatGPT with your permission to answer questions and requests. And users can ask ChatGPT to help compose original content in Writing Tools as well as generate images.
• Image Wand: Transforms a rough sketch into a polished image that complements a user’s notes. Works with Apple Pencil on iPad.

Live updates

2024-12-11T14:00:55.944Z

Who is getting Apple Intelligence and when?

Apple Intelligence is a pretty seismic shift in how you use your iPhone but, crucially, not everyone is going to get it with iOS 18.2. There are both device and region limitations to be aware of.

Cupertino's suite of AI enhancements will be available on the following devices: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later, and any Mac with an M1 chip and later.

When we're talking about iPad and Mac, those enhancements come with iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 which are also rolling out today.

There's a caveat in place for anyone reading this in the EU — while Apple Intelligence will roll out for the Mac in that region, it won't become available on iPhone or iPad for several months yet. Apple says it will be giving EU iPhone and iPad users access to Writing Tools, Genmoji, a redesigned Siri with richer language understanding, ChatGPT integration, and more from April 2025.

For anyone reading this outside of an English-speaking country, Apple Intelligence can be accessed in most regions around the world when the device and Siri language are set to localized English for the following regions: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., or the U.S.

2024-12-11T13:49:09.283Z

Visual Intelligence is Apple's answer to Google Lens

Visual intelligence is one of the most exciting features of Apple Intelligence coming through with iOS 18.2. It’s Apple’s answer to the likes of Google Lens and is only available on the iPhone 16 series where it can be accessed directly from the Camera Control button.

All you have to do is point your camera at something you want to learn about and click the shutter. You’ll know Apple Intelligence is working because you’ll see a rainbow-colored flash.

Once you have the image captured, Visual Intelligence will tell you things like opening hours for a shop, reviews for a cafe or even what a sign in a foreign language says. While you can typically do this with an old fashioned image search, the seamless interaction of Visual Intelligence with your iPhone’s camera will hugely speed up this process.

Finally, if you snap a picture of something with a lot of text in it, Visual Intelligence can generate a quick summary for you to help save time.

2024-12-11T13:32:39.541Z

Genmoji: A personal way to communicate

Genmoji is a brilliant addition to the Apple ecosystem. It uses AI image generation technology for the specific purpose of letting users craft their own custom emojis. You can then send them in a chat as an emoji reaction, sticker or tapback.

There are now hundreds of different emojis available through the emoji keyboard, but with Genmoji you don’t need to find one, or even a combination, that fit your requirements — you can just make exactly what you want. For example, craft a slice of pizza with bananas on top or an emoji version of yourself playing guitar.

Available on any device capable of running Apple Intelligence, the genmoji is generated entirely ‘on device’, meaning no information is sent out to the cloud. Your phone, laptop or iPad does all the hard work which also makes it much faster and accessible.

There are limitations though as Apple has implemented guardrails preventing the creation of potentially harmful genmojis. Basically, if it wouldn’t be available on a normal emoji keyboard then you probably can’t generate it using Genmoji.

2024-12-11T13:19:30.268Z

How to install iOS 18.2

The first thing you’re going to want to know is how do you actually get the iOS 18.2 update on your iPhone? Luckily, the process couldn’t be simpler. The most efficient way to make sure you’re in line to get it is to turn on automatic updates in your iPhone’s Setting menu. Simply go to Settings > General > Software Update on a compatible device.

If you want a full step-by-step breakdown, we’ve got you covered. Just follow our how-to guide here which includes screenshots walking you through the process.