Apple’s image generation features may not arrive until iOS 18.2 is released, according to rumors. The latest edition of the Power On newsletter states that the ability to create Genmojis and use the new Image Playground feature will only be available later this year.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested that it is unlikely there will be serious upgrades to the AI platform this year. Instead, the company may focus on changes to the handset itself. In July, ReadWrite reported that more advanced Siri features would be absent from the delayed release, as a full rollout is now stretching into 2025.
Gurman writes that there will be more availability of Apple Intelligence by the fall of 2025. This includes new writing-related tools and allows for group threads to be shortened and summarized, along with help finding the right words when drafting messages and emails through the ‘smart reply’ feature.
In addition, OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot won’t be part of the rollout until later this year and all of the major new Siri features aren’t coming until next year.
The beta version of iOS 18.1 showcases some of the upcoming features, which include notification summaries, tools to improve writing, and a way to remove people or objects from images. It will also have automated transcriptions of phone calls, and the software will prioritize important emails within the Apple Mail app.
What are Image Playground and Genmoji?
With Image Playground, users can create fun images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. It is expected to be built into apps including Messages, as well as have its own dedicated app.
With Genmoji, users can type a description or even use their own photos to generate custom emojis of their friends and families. Just like emoji, Genmoji can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback.
