iOS 18.2, now available through the public beta program, introduces highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features. This update integrates ChatGPT with Siri, debuts GenMoji, and unveils the innovative Image Playground. Alongside other enhancements like two-stage camera shutter control and AI-powered inbox sorting, Apple Intelligence is the star of the show. Let’s dive into Image Playground and explore its capabilities.
Apple’s algorithm seems to have a specific, albeit safe, interpretation of my likeness. The AI-generated image of myself resembled a Hallmark Christmas movie protagonist. My family’s photos yielded similar results – polished and prepped for a holiday-themed romantic comedy.
Initially, Image Playground chose a photo of me wearing headphones with my hair pulled back. The generated image aged me by at least two decades, giving me graying short hair instead of my long brown hair. Even the clothing looked like something from a retirement catalog. This was far from accurate!
Using the in-app rating system, I provided feedback. The app encourages detailed comments, which I recommend utilizing.
Image Playground became more enjoyable when I moved beyond personal photos. A prompt for “a purple cow grazing under a starry sky with a UFO in the distance” produced a near-perfect result on the iPhone 16 Pro. However, a request for “a kitten with baby snakes” resulted in a kitten with multiple, fused tails.
Image Playground’s responsiveness to prompt adjustments is impressive. I transformed the multi-tailed kitten into a royal astronaut cat by adding and removing descriptive terms. Attempts to generate more risqué images, like a “Naked Santa,” were met with a polite but firm refusal.
Fortunately, generating holiday-themed imagery for sharing is straightforward. You can save and refine images later. The ability to create custom Hallmark-esque movie posters is available on iPhone 15 Pro and all iPhone 16 models with the iOS 18.2 update.
