Apple is preparing new image generation features for iOS 18.2: Image Playground and Genmoji

According to the latest information from Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter, Apple is planning to release new image generation features in the iOS 18.2 update. The first beta version is expected in October, and the final release is scheduled for December.

Here's What We Know

Recently, it became known that Image Playground and Genmoji features were not included in any of the iOS 18.1 beta versions, which raised doubts about their appearance this year. However, now we have confirmation that these new features will appear in the next update.

Image Playground is a new tool that allows you to create a variety of creative images using artificial intelligence. Users will be able to choose between three styles: animation, illustration, and sketch. However, the feature does not support photorealistic generation, which may be a positive aspect for the creative process.

Genmoji will allow users to create personalised emojis based on simple prompts, which will allow them to express emotions in a more individual way. Users will be able to use these emojis in texts, where they will look like regular Unicode characters.

Apple also plans to provide developers with an API to integrate Genmoji into their applications. In unsupported apps, Genmoji will be displayed as images.

These features were announced at WWDC24 in June, but were not part of the early beta versions of iOS 18.0.

To use the new features, you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, and an iPad or Mac with an M1 chip or later. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro should also support these features, as the base model is likely to have 8GB of RAM.

Source: Bloomberg