Apple Introduces Visual Intelligence in iOS 18.2

Apple is reshaping the iPhone experience with iOS 18.1 and 18.2, particularly due to the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence features. iOS 18.1 introduced new tools like Clean Up for photo editing and Writing Tools to refine text, but iOS 18.2 developer beta takes it further by unlocking the long-awaited Visual Intelligence feature, expected for public release in December. This capability is available only on iPhone 16 models running the latest developer beta.

Visual Intelligence, Apple’s version of visual search, mirrors functionalities seen in Google Lens and other tools but introduces unique Apple-centric elements. This feature can be activated by long-pressing the Camera Control button, which initiates a rainbow-colored animation around the screen to indicate activation. For now, Visual Intelligence is optimized for vertical mode only.

Once activated, users can capture images to search for specific information. Visual Intelligence can analyze photos and retrieve relevant details, such as closing times when photographing a restaurant’s facade or item descriptions for products. Additionally, it extracts key information like emails and phone numbers, allowing for easy copying into other apps.

A distinctive feature within Visual Intelligence is its integration with ChatGPT, accessible via a chat bubble icon in the bottom-left corner. Here, users can engage in further inquiries about the captured image, letting ChatGPT generate detailed responses to contextual follow-up questions. Alternatively, for those preferring Google, a button in the interface enables a Google-powered visual search.

Beyond visual recognition, Visual Intelligence supports functions like summarizing captured text passages or translating foreign-language text directly from the image, enhancing its value as a productivity tool. However, the feature requires an active data connection for seamless functionality.

As Apple continues refining Visual Intelligence and other Apple Intelligence features ahead of the official iOS 18.2 launch, additional improvements may be anticipated. Users on iOS 18.1 also gain access to new capabilities such as call recording, Apple Intelligence proofreading, and a typing feature for Siri interactions, further expanding Apple’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Tom’s Guide editors remain dedicated to delivering insights into the latest developments, ensuring readers are well-informed on Apple’s ongoing innovations.