Apple has released the AI-enabled version of its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18.2, for public beta users. The new additions include Genmoji-new AI-powered app for an emoji generator, an Image Playground AI image app, ChatGPT with Siri, and visual search through the cameras of the iPhone 16. All these features were so far limited to developers.

And while consumers can go to line to try out the new AI features, there's a caveat to be aware of: some of them require joining a waitlist before accessing them.

Together, the AI features and tools coming to the new iPhone 16 along with all supported devices are known as Apple Intelligence - though cleverly, the whole thing can be shorthand as "AI". Big Language Model-driven technologies promise users a smarter Siri, writing and proofreading assistance across apps, and image generation capabilities, among other things. Third-party developers will also be able to take advantage of Apple Intelligence features in their own apps-something that may prove to be Apple Intelligence's most useful offering, if widely adopted.

For instance, users can ask Siri to show them something in their apps or to do something on their screen regarding something which is shown on their screen. In June, Apple unveiled its AI technology at the developer conference. It will be available for apps falling into the following categories-Browsers, Books, Cameras, Document readers, File management, Journals, Mail, Photos, Presentations, Spreadsheets, Whiteboards, and Word processors.

Meanwhile, users will probably want to try the feature that includes ChatGPT and image generation.

Image Playground
There's a standalone app for image generation, and you can use prompts to make new images. Genmoji offers a similar system of creating custom emojis. And Image Wand will transform your sketches on your notes into images generated through AI.

With Siri, you'll also access a new extension for ChatGPT, which gives Apple's assistant far more capabilities. The result is the ability to write text and answer questions, create images and much more, signed in and to keep track of what you ask for. In return, paid subscribers will also get to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities their subscription offers, a win-win arrangement for both companies involved: ChatGPT gets enormous exposure through the iPhone installed base, and Apple acquires a smarter Siri.

The new iPhone 16 users can access a feature called Visual Intelligence by tapping on the new Camera Control button on this button; this is a way of search and identification of real-world objects and places with the camera lens.

The bad news for those wanting to try Apple Intelligence is that there's still a waitlist for some of these features. To receive Apple Intelligence, users first need to turn it on-not enabled by default. Once that's done, customers then wait to sign up for other image-creation features and so on. So far, Apple hasn't commented on the length of time users need to wait before being able to access, but days or weeks could be in the cards this beta period.

That is partly the reason why: partly for AI safety concerns, already users design NSFW emoji using Genmoji, and for it gives Apple the time to scale the features safely to their users.

Apple had release AI-based features - Writing Tools and summary notifs, powered by the Apple Intelligence before the release of iOS 18.2, and also introduced the new design for Siri, when the edges of the display turn bright.

Except the iOS 18.2 beta seed, Apple has also seeded the first public betas of iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, and tvOS 18.2.