iOS 18.2 - This HAS to Stop!

Summary

In this episode of Apple Weekly, Brandon discusses the latest iOS 18.2 beta 2 features, including clarification on the ChatGPT integration, which does not require an upgrade to ChatGPT Plus. He also highlights new updates like Live Activity for Safari downloads, customizable mail badges, and Find My’s new AirTag location sharing feature. The Vision Pro’s cheaper version has been delayed to 2027, while a new iPhone-connected glasses device is being considered. The episode concludes with a wild AirTag story about a journalist tracking down his stolen bike, showcasing the power of Apple's Find My system.

Takeaways

• 😀 The iOS 18.2 update introduces a daily limit for ChatGPT, but users do not need to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus for access once the limit is reached. Instead, users will shift to GPT-4 Mini.
• 😀 GPT-4 Mini still provides strong performance for most day-to-day queries, even if it lacks the complexity of GPT-4's advanced capabilities.
• 😀 Apple’s integration of ChatGPT in iOS 18.2 is not the source of the daily limits; these limits come from ChatGPT's own system, which has been in place for a long time.
• 😀 Apple has added live activity support for Safari downloads in iOS 18.2 beta 2, allowing users to track download progress on the lock screen and in the Dynamic Island.
• 😀 iOS 18.2 beta 2 introduces a new feature for Mail notifications, allowing users to customize badge counts to show unread messages from only their primary inbox or all unread messages.
• 😀 A new toggle in Photos allows users to disable the looping of videos once they finish, which was previously the default behavior in iOS 18.0 and 18.1.
• 😀 iOS 18.2 beta 2 now supports a new image generation feature using Image W. It can create images based on text selected in the system, improving Apple’s AI capabilities.
• 😀 A major update in Find My allows users to share the location of lost items, such as AirTags, with others through a link that works in real time, with the option to expire after seven days.
• 😀 iOS 18.2 beta 2 shows improved overall performance compared to the first beta, with Geekbench scores indicating solid multi-core and single-core results.
• 😀 Battery life still faces issues in iOS 18.2 beta 2, likely due to intensive use of Apple Intelligence features like ChatGPT and Image Playground, which drain battery faster and heat up the device.

Q & A

What is the main confusion surrounding the ChatGPT integration in iOS 18.2?

The confusion stems from misinformation claiming that users need to pay for ChatGPT Plus when they exceed a daily usage limit. However, this is not true. The daily limit is set by ChatGPT itself, and going over it simply switches to the GPT-4 Mini model, which still works well but with lighter responses. Users do not need to pay for the Plus subscription unless they need advanced features like the voice mode or frequent, complex usage.

Why did Apple add a daily limit for ChatGPT usage in iOS 18.2?

The daily limit is not Apple's decision but is based on ChatGPT's own rate limits. Apple merely made these limits more visible to users. The purpose of the limit is to manage server load, ensuring that the service remains functional for everyone.

What are the differences between GPT-4 and GPT-4 Mini when the daily limit is exceeded?

GPT-4 provides more complex and advanced responses, while GPT-4 Mini is a simplified version. Once the daily limit is surpassed, users are switched to GPT-4 Mini, which delivers faster, lighter responses that still meet most users' needs.

Should users upgrade to ChatGPT Plus for general use?

For most users, upgrading to ChatGPT Plus is unnecessary. The main benefits of Plus are access to advanced features like voice mode and extended capabilities for business or heavy users who require complex tasks. For casual use, the free tier is sufficient.

What new feature in iOS 18.2 allows users to track Safari downloads more easily?

iOS 18.2 introduces live activity support for Safari downloads, showing a progress bar on the lock screen and in the Dynamic Island, so users can easily monitor their download status.

What is the new battery intelligence feature in iOS 18.2 beta 2?

The new battery intelligence framework may allow users to see how long it will take for their iPhone to fully charge. This feature is not fully confirmed yet but is expected to appear in future updates.

How can users now manage mail notification badges in iOS 18.2?

In iOS 18.2, users can customize notification badges for mail, choosing to show the count of unread messages either from their primary mailbox or from all mail folders.

What new toggle has been added to the Photos app in iOS 18.2?

A new toggle for loop videos has been added to the Photos app. By default, videos loop automatically, but users can now turn this feature off if they prefer not to have videos replay once they finish.

What is the new Find My feature introduced in iOS 18.2 for AirTags?

The new Find My feature allows users to share the location of lost items, like AirTags or other devices, with a trusted party. The link provided enables real-time location tracking without needing the original owner to be present.

How has the performance of iOS 18.2 beta 2 improved compared to beta 1?

iOS 18.2 beta 2 shows noticeable improvements in performance, with fewer resprings and better stability. Benchmark scores also indicate better multi-core performance than previous versions.