After launching iOS 18.1 in October, Apple has confirmed that the next wave of upgrades — iOS 18.2– is coming in the first week of December. This update will bring in advanced features like ChatGPT integration to Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground and more Writing tools. But there is more. According to a 9to5Mac report, the iOS 18.2 will also add a new feature to the battery health section. With other features, Apple is also working on the ability to show users how long it will take to charge an iPhone. Known as Battery Intelligence, the new framework was spotted in the code of iOS 18.2 beta 2, which was released on Monday to developers.
Battery Intelligence: What is it?
Apple is developing a new feature — Battery Intelligence — designed to estimate how much time it will take to charge an iPhone based on the current energy intake. Users could choose to receive notifications with time estimates, such as the expected duration to reach 80 per cent charge.
Although this feature has been detected in the code of the latest beta release, it remains inactive and incomplete, indicating Apple is still refining it. It may appear in a later iOS 18.2 beta or another future update. Notably, a similar tool is already available for MacBooks within macOS’s Battery menu.
In iOS 18, Apple has also introduced several updates focused on battery health management for iPhone 15 and later variants. Users now have the ability to cap the maximum charge at 80 per cent, 85 per cent, 90 per cent, or 95 per cent to help extend battery life. Additionally, the system identifies when a slow charger is used for charging.
iOS 18.2: The next wave of Apple Intelligence
The iOS 18.2 update promises a range of exciting features, designed to enhance both productivity and personalisation for iPhone users. One notable addition is built-in ChatGPT, offering on-demand AI assistance directly within iOS. This feature allows users to ask questions, generate text, or get quick help, seamlessly integrated across various apps. Another unique feature, Genmoji, lets users create custom, AI-powered emojis, providing a fun way to express themselves with unique, personalised icons that go beyond standard emoji options. Read more about iOS 18.2 here.
For creatives, the new Image Playground feature is a highlight. This tool enables users to experiment with images in creative ways—whether applying filters, generating artwork, or editing with AI tools. The Image Playground is geared toward casual and professional users alike, giving them a more dynamic approach to photo and image editing directly on their iPhones.
Another most talked about feature coming in iOS 18.2 is Visual Intelligence. Available on iPhone 16, this feature identifies objects and locations. By long-pressing the Camera Control button and pointing your phone, you can access details like hours and reviews for restaurants, copy or read text aloud, search items on Google, and ask ChatGPT about objects.
iOS 18.2 will let you upgrade to ChatGPT Plus directly from Settings app
Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.2 update is set to streamline access to premium AI services by allowing users to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus directly from the Settings app. This integration marks a major step in the tech giant’s effort to make advanced artificial intelligence tools more accessible for eligible iPhone and iPad users. The rumours are that the iOS 18.2 update will be out in a stable version in the first week of December.
The addition of ChatGPT Plus to iOS is expected to enhance the user experience, providing a more seamless path to premium OpenAI services. Until now, users had to visit external websites or apps to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, which offers a host of benefits, including faster response times, priority access to new features, and enhanced capabilities compared to the free tier. With the integration into iOS Settings, users will be able to manage their subscription with just a few taps, bypassing the need for third-party apps or browsers. The feature has not even surfaced for the beta users.