With the arrival of iOS 18.2, Apple has prepared a series of tools that will change the way we interact with images and emojis. Similar to the Apple Intelligence Text Tools that come with iOS 18.1, in this second update we will be faced with a completely new way of creating visual content directly from our devices. Among these tools, three stand out: Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand. Let’s take a detailed look at each of them and how they will change our use of the Apple ecosystem.
Image Playground: the power of graphic creation within everyone’s reach
Image Playground will be the first of the major new features in iOS 18.2, and its goal is the creation of original images from the iPhone or iPad. The tool will be available both as a standalone application and integrated into existing applications, from both Apple and third parties.
With Image Playground, we will be able to generate images from scratch simply by describing what we need. For example, if we have a specific idea in mind, it will be enough to write a description or several keywords that represent it, and Apple Intelligence will take care of creating an image based on our request.
If we are not clear about what we want exactly or what variables to give to a less concrete idea, Image Playground offers us the possibility to create images step by step through a series of suggestions of themes, elements, accessories, seasons, locations, and more.
Once the theme is chosen, we can experiment and customize the images by choosing from three visual styles: animation, illustration, and sketch. Apple has decided to limit, at least initially, the styles to these options to prevent potential misuse, such as the creation of images that appear realistic or could be mistaken for deepfakes.
Image Playground will be integrated into applications such as Messages, Keynote, Pages, and Freeform, for example, and will be available to third-party developers through an API. With this integration, wherever we are, we can create original images without needing to leave the app.
Genmoji: the future of emojis lies in personalization
The second new feature is Genmoji, a tool for creating personalized emojis. With iOS 18.2, Apple’s intelligence will allow us to create original emojis that better suit our conversations and expressions.
The Genmoji feature will be directly integrated into the emoji keyboard we already know. When we are looking for an emoji that doesn’t exist, Apple will offer us the option to “Create a new emoji” based on our description. The process is simple: we enter a brief description of what we are looking for, and Apple Intelligence will generate up to four different options for us to choose the one we like the most. From that moment, the new emoji will be automatically added to our keyboard and will be available for use in any app.
Something very interesting about Genmoji is the ability to create emojis that represent us, our friends, or family members. We can turn anyone into a superhero, an animal, or anything else we can think of, all in a matter of seconds.
Image Wand: the magic of illustration for our notes
The third image tool that will arrive with iOS 18.2 is Image Wand, designed to take our annotations in the Notes app further. If we use an Apple Pencil (or even with a finger), Image Wand will allow us to transform our sketches and drawings.
Image Wand will be integrated into the Notes tool menu for a unique functionality: by drawing a circle around an existing sketch, the tool will convert it into a complete image. Even if we haven’t drawn anything yet, we can actually use Image Wand to select an empty area of the note and Apple’s intelligence will suggest images based on the surrounding content.
First writing tools, now image tools
With the inclusion of these three tools, Apple fully enters the world of imagery through artificial intelligence. Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand will allow us to add a touch of originality to our conversations, presentations, or notes.
With iOS 18.2 just around the corner, as it should arrive before the end of the year, the anticipation for these new features grows day by day. While we have seen the first image generated by Apple Intelligence, Craig Federighi’s puppy, there is a world to discover. A world that, although it will not change Apple’s most ambitious project in any way, will completely change how we use our devices.
