AI image generation was not a major component of the initial wave of Apple Intelligence features. However, with the release of iOS 18.2, that will soon change significantly. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Apple Intelligence features of Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand in iOS 18.2.
Image Playground, an app and a tool for apps
The latest tool for making original photographs on your iPhone is called Image Playground.
When iOS 18.2 is released, it will be available in two versions:
- both in the standalone Image Playground app
- and via Image Playground features integrated into third-party and other apps.
- Generally speaking, Image Playground will function the same wherever you use it.
Using a description or an idea that has been offered, you will be able to produce original photos.
Simply provide a description if you already know what you need, and Apple Intelligence will generate a new image that fits your specifications.
Alternatively, you can follow a set of instructions to gradually build your image. Image Playground will include ideas such as places, costumes, accessories, themes, and more to get you started. Additionally, there are three different image styles to select from:
- Animation
- Illustration
- Sketch
Sketch might be postponed to a later release because it is not yet included in the iOS 18.2 beta.
In order to prevent realistic-looking deepfakes, Apple purposefully limiting the options to only three styles. Everything produced using Image Playground will appear lively and active.
Apple Intelligence will present you with several possible image previews for each piece of input you provide. In this manner, you can choose from a variety of possibilities and refine as necessary.
Messages, Keynote, Pages, and Freeform will all have Image Playground integrated into them. The ability can also be integrated into third-party apps using an API. And of course, you can still make images that can be shared anywhere using the standalone Image Playground, even if your preferred app doesn’t support these tools.
Genmoji, the future of emoji
Apple Intelligence will be able to produce original emojis in addition to original photos when iOS 18.2 is released.
These will be included into the emoji keyboard for usage in all of your favorite apps and are referred to by Apple as Genmoji.
Simply type in the emoji keyboard’s search field, and if there isn’t an existing emoji that matches, Apple will propose a “Create New Emoji.”
Apple Intelligence will automatically generate up to four new emoji based on your description. After selecting your favorite option by swiping through the possibilities, it will be added to your emoji keyboard.
You’ll even have the opportunity to make a Genmoji that closely resembles your pal when you’re contacting them. In a matter of seconds, you may transform your friends or family members into superheroes or supervillains.
Genmoji will be accessible in all places where emoji are used. This implies that you can share them in social media posts, utilize them as tapbacks within messages, and more.
Image Wand, your Apple Pencil’s secret weapon
The third and last Image Tool, known as the Image Wand, is only available on iPadOS 18.2.
On the iPad, Image Wand will be accessible within Apple Notes. It transforms your finger or Apple Pencil into a powerful tool for quickly and easily producing new images.
The Image Wand, which is located directly within the Notes tool palette, allows you to circle an existing sketch and transform it into a more attractive original image.
You can circle blank spaces in your message, and Image Wand will use the context to propose a related image, even if you’re beginning from scratch.
Regardless of your level of creativity, Image Wand can add a spark of AI to your notes, making them more vibrant and lovely than before.
Image Tools in iOS 18.2: Wrap-up
When iOS 18.2’s new Image Tools from Apple Intelligence are released, users are guaranteed to be inspired and have a great time. And thankfully, Apple’s decision to only provide a few image styles means that they won’t be misused or abused to quite the same extent as some other AI image generation tools.