New in iOS 18.2: Image Playground, Genmoji, revamped Mail app, change default app, and more

Apple is currently testing several software updates including iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2 for iPhone, iPad and Mac. The updates are expected at the end of this year and not only fix problems, they also add new features.

The most important additions can be found for Apple Intelligence in English (US). Unfortunately, you cannot simply use Apple Intelligence in the EU, but fortunately there are other new options. The new software updates include a new Mail app, you can remove and change more default apps, set volume limits for the speakers and more. We list all the new options for you.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system for Mac, iPhone and iPad that combines the power of generative models with the user’s individual context. Since iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1, users can use these Apple Intelligence features on supporting devices. From iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2, the new options below are added.

  • Image Playground – Added Image Playground app including integration into Posts for creating stylized images based on prompts and images from you and your friends.
  • Image Wall – Image Wand lets you add images to what you’ve written in the Notes app. On the iPad, you can use the Apple Pencil to create a rough sketch and let Image Wand transform it into something more beautiful.
  • Genmoji – Create your own custom emoji and combinations with Genmoji. Users who have iOS 18.1 installed will see Genmoji and can even get information about them, but they can only be created in iOS 18.2. In previous versions of iOS, they are displayed as an image.
  • Siri ChatGPT – Siri can transfer requests to ChatGPT, you will see the information directly from the Siri view. You don’t need an account and anything you ask ‌Siri‌ can be sent to ChatGPT if you want. (more info)
  • Visual Intelligence – On iPhone 16, Visual Intelligence can be used to identify objects and places around you using the camera slider (more info).
  • Writing tools – The Rewrite Writing Tools feature is no longer limited to three styles. You can describe the tone or content you want, such as adding more dynamic words or turning an email into a poem.
  • Languages – With iOS 18.2, Apple Intelligence supports English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom in addition to US English.
New in iOS 18.2: Image Playground, Genmoji, revamped Mail app, change default app, and more

The possibilities of Apple Intelligence are great, but are actually only available to users in the United States. Apple Intelligence will first be available in English, with other languages ​​to be added next year. If desired, you can test Apple Intelligence in English outside the US, but in principle this is not possible in the EU.

Due to Digital Markets Act law, Apple has decided to block Apple Intelligence in the EU. In a roundabout way, it is still possible to test Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad and Mac, also in the European Union. You will have to take the necessary actions for this, which will significantly change the way you use your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Renewed Mail app

During the announcement of the new software, it was already known that Apple will renew the Mail app. This gets built-in categories for automatically sorting important emails, deals, newsletters, transaction emails, etc. The basis for these new features is Apple’s intelligence system. For this reason, the updated Mail app will only be available in English for the time being.

Email apple intelligence

Manage and remove default apps

iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 make it possible to extensively manage standard apps. This means that users can change their default app for different functions. Via Settings â–¸ Apps â–¸ Default apps you can choose which app to use for app installations, mail, messages, phone, call filtering, browser, keyboards, passwords and access codes.

In the EU, Apple goes a step further and you can really replace them, while outside of it users can indicate their favorites. In addition, in the EU it is possible to completely remove certain standard apps from your iPhone or iPad, including the App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera and Photos.

Set volume limit for speakers

You can use the new ‘Volume Limiting’ option via the Hearing and Feeling settings on an iPhone or iPad. This allows you to set a volume limit for your iPhone or iPad’s speakers when playing movies, music, and other audio. When you enable the option, you can use the slider to limit the volume between 20% and 90%.

image of macrumors

Safari settings expanded

Safari settings have been expanded to allow you to manage website data and history. From now on you can use the new import and export options. Additionally, it includes the option to instantly clear your history and website data. Previously, you only had the option to erase all data.

Share AirTag temporarily

Under iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2, it is possible to temporarily share the location of an AirTag with other users from the Find My app. After sharing, the AirTag’s location will be visible on Apple’s find my website. You can share the link to the website with people of your choice. The location sharing will then remain active for five days. After that, the link will automatically expire and the location will no longer be visible. You can optionally stop sharing earlier from the Find My app.

Weather widget in macOS menu bar

Starting with macOS Sequoia 15.2, it is possible to add a mini weather widget to the menu bar of your Mac. By clicking on the weather symbol, you will see a weather forecast for the coming period. You can activate the widget via  ▸ System settings ▸ Control panel ▸ Weather ▸ menu bar only.

Other innovations

  • All games view in Apple Arcade expanded with category drop-down menu
  • In the Dictaphone app, voice memos can now be superimposed on two tracks. There is also an option to separate layers and edit mixes.
  • Apple has expanded the Web Apps option to other web browsers in the EU. This also allows you to add a web app from Chrome, for example, including its own browser engine.
  • Added Type to ‌Siri control to Control Center
  • Mark podcasts categories as favorites
  • tvOS 18.2 adds new screensaver including Snoopy
  • tvOS 18.2 has support for 21:9 format

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