Developers are waiting to test Apple Intelligence graphics tools.
Apple has said it will grant access to upcoming image creation tools such as Image Wand, Genmoji and Image Playground “in the coming weeks,” and the waiting list for testers is unusually long.
The first beta version of iOS 18.2 has already been released to developers, but access to new graphics tools will be limited. “You’ll be notified when the feature is ready to test,” Apple said in a note to developers.
Review of requests submitted for developer access to graphics features in iOS 18.2.
This waitlist approach is similar to how the company restricted access to the initial set of Apple Intelligence features in the iOS 18.1 beta. However, in this case, access spread faster.
Developers may express interest in testing certain new graphics features, specifically the following features:
- image playground app
- Integrating Image Playground with Messages or Freeform
- Genmoji integration into the emoji keyboard
- Image wand in the Apple Pencil tool palette in Notes
Apple’s memo does not say how developers can request this access. It is also not clear whether they can express their interest in more than one element.
For consumers, it still seems likely that Apple will release iOS 18.2 with new graphics features by the end of 2024, based on the schedule outlined previously.
iOS 18 update deployment slow
According to the waiting list, the public beta of iOS 18.2 is unlikely to arrive before late November, with the actual release expected to arrive sometime in December. The official update to iOS 18.1, which brings some Apple Intelligence features, is scheduled for the last week of October.
“You’ll be notified when a feature is ready to test,” Apple said in a note to developers. “Once you receive access, you can provide feedback by tapping the thumbs up or thumbs down on each Image Playground, Genmoji, or Image Wand result.”
Apple appears to be taking a cautious approach to rolling out Apple Intelligence features, citing examples of “hallucinations” and other issues seen with other AI models.
The company says its Responsible AI Principles are “at every stage of the process, including design, model training, feature development, and quality assessment, to identify how our AI tools can be misused and lead to potential harm.” We are taking precautionary measures.”
