Apple rolls out iOS 18.2 with new and improved ChatGPT-integrated Siri

Here. Have some AI: Whether you're a fan of AI or not, there is no escaping it anymore. Microsoft, Google, and practically every other business remotely related to the tech industry are all in on the latest craze. Although a bit late to the game, Apple has finally rolled out its new and improved AI-driven Siri in its latest OS versions today.

Apple launched its long-awaited ChatGPT-Siri integration in the latest iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 update today. The feature kicks in when you ask Siri something complex that Apple's built-in AI can't fully handle.

At that point, Siri will ask if you'd like to open the conversation to ChatGPT's language skills. Once you give the green light, the GPT-4o model takes over to provide more substantive answers. There are also options to invoke ChatGPT through text editing menus without using your voice.

Apple says that OpenAI won't store queries as it does on the web version of its chatbot. You also won't need an OpenAI account for it to work. The only requirement is one of Apple's latest – the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model. Sadly, any iPhone with less than 8GB of RAM won't cut the mustard. The feature is also available on A17 Pro and M1 iPads and M1 Mac models or better.

The integration is just the start of Apple's big AI push for Apple Intelligence. In October, the company released features like assisted writing tools, a more immersive Siri mode, and notification summarization. Even more improvements to Siri's skills, combined with the ability to operate apps, will arrive next year.

Analysts say Cupertino's goal is for Apple Intelligence to drive future iPhone upgrades and solidify the company as a leader in consumer AI. Moreover, since significant hardware upgrades are becoming scarcer each year, Apple is looking for ways to keep things fresh on the software side.

Getting started with this Siri upgrade is straightforward. Just head to the software update section in Settings and install the latest iOS version. First-time Apple Intelligence users must join a waitlist, but activations happen quickly, often within a day.

The iOS 18.2 upgrade includes a few other AI goodies worth checking out. Playground is Apple's new image generation app that can craft pictures from text descriptions. Image Wand gives you powerful object removal and touchup abilities in your photos. The update also has some new non-AI features, including sharing an AirTag's location with a trusted friend or airline. Check out Apple's press release for all the details.