iOS 18.2 developer beta rolling out: delete App Store, Camera app, set new phone and messaging defaults

iOS 18.2 developers’ beta is now rolling out to those who signed up. The biggest change is that Apple will allow its users in the EU to delete three core system apps: the App Store, Camera, and Photos app. This is per the norms set by the Digital Markets Act in the region. Another big change is that it will now allow users worldwide to set new default apps for calling and messaging within iOS 18.2.

Besides these changes, iOS 18.2 introduces the next phase of AI features like Siri ChatGPT, Genmoji, Image Playground, Writing tools and others. Here’s a rundown of everything new with iOS 18.2.

Delete camera, App Store; set new defaults for calling and messaging

iOS 18.2 developers beta allows users in the EU to delete core system apps like the App Store, Safari, Messages and Photos. This is a big change considering the company never allowed the deletion of these system apps. This is to comply with the new norms set by the Digital Markets Act. The rule says that Apple and other giants should allow users to delete a system app if they don’t want to use it or want an alternative.

iOS 18.2 also adds a menu to set the new default apps for email, messaging, calling, call filtering, web browsing, and managing passwords and keyboards. This change is applicable to all users worldwide and isn’t exclusive to the EU.

What’s new on iOS 18.2

Image Playground: This AI feature generates images based on user input. You can input the description of the image you want or use the suggestions given by Apple. This feature can offer recommendations for costumes, objects, settings and more. This draws inspiration from your messages conversations or content saved in the Notes app.

You can even create characters that resemble your friends and family by uploading a reference photo. The Image Playground works as a standalone app but it can also be integrated into Messages.

More Languages: With iOS 18.2, Apple Intelligence gains support for more languages like English in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. There is also US English.

Siri ChatGPT: With iOS 18.2, Siri works alongside ChatGPT to manage various requests. Siri will pass on the question to ChatGPT when it can’t answer. The reply from ChatGPT will then be sent back to Siri for the user.

Genmoji: This allows you to create custom emoji characters that can be crafted based on descriptions and phrases. You can create these emojis inspired by your loved ones, by using the people album in the Photos app. You can create a Genmoji easily through the emoji keyboard.

Visual Intelligence: iPhone 16 users can access the Visual Intelligence feature to offer insights about their environment. They can do this by opening the camera and pointing at a restaurant menu and obtain comprehensive information. This feature can read text aloud, recognise phone numbers, and even copy and summarise text.

Image Wand: Image Wand is present in the Notes app on the iPad. With Apple Pencil, you can draw a simple sketch or keyphrase in your notes in your notes and Image Wand will generate a relevant image.

Writing Tools: iOS 18.2 will allow users to fine-tune the tone or content. This brings out a more dynamic language. It can even convert an email into a poetic form.<

There are many other new features like Mail App Categorisation, Voice Memors, a new dropdown filter menu in Apple Arcade, Volume Limit, Sleep Apnea notifications, Safari improvements, a new quick access feature for Type to Siri in Control Center, and more. The developer’s beta is currently accessible to those devices that support Apple Intelligence but public beta builds should be out soon.