The second wave of Apple Intelligence features is coming and it’s a huge upgrade, including for Apple Notes users. iOS 18 already included a strong Notes update, but next month iOS 18.2 will bring three major AI improvements to Notes. Here’s what’s new.
Image Wand takes sketching to the next level
One of the powerful new AI image tools in iPadOS 18.2 is called Image Wand.
Image Wand can do two important things:
- Turn your Apple Pencil sketches into beautiful illustrations
- Create original images based on the surrounding context of your note
The first feature lets you turn quick scribbles into AI-generated works of art. Whether you use an Apple Pencil or even your finger, you can quickly draw something in a note and then use Image Wand to create a more attractive, high-quality version of that sketch.
But even if a simple sketch is beyond your artistic knowledge, you can also create Image Wand images without any starting base. That’s because Image Wand can analyze the text around it and create an image that matches the content of your note.
If you don’t have one yet, Image Wand is a great excuse to pick up an Apple Pencil Pro (currently just $82, down from $129).
Compose new text or direct your AI rewrites
The AI writing tools introduced in iOS 18.1 get two major upgrades in iOS 18.2 that are perfect for Notes users:
- You can now have AI compose original text based on a prompt
- Rewrites can now be performed according to your specific instructions
The new Compose button is at the bottom of Apple Notes’ writing tools panel. And it is made possible by the intelligence of ChatGPT.
Apple’s own homegrown tools won’t compile original text for you, but ChatGPT will, and it’s baked right into the system. Press the ‘Compose’ button and give ChatGPT a prompt. Then watch the text flow as it fills your note.
A second great addition is ‘Describe your change’, which allows you to provide instructions for rewrites. In iOS 18.1, you could only get rewrites in a few categories, like “Friendly” and “Professional,” or use the global “Rewrite” button.
But in iOS 18.2, you can describe exactly how you want Apple Intelligence to rewrite your note, and it will work accordingly.
Create images directly from your text
Image Wang isn’t the only way to create Apple Intelligence images in your notes.
iOS 18.2 also includes a new addition to the copy/paste menu that appears when text is selected. It simply says ‘Create image’.
This menu option lets you select any text in your note, click “Create Image,” and then watch Apple Intelligence go to work and generate an original image to match your text.
Images created are added to your note and can be resized as desired. And if you’re not happy with the first result, Apple will keep creating new images until you find one you like.
Apple Notes in iOS 18.2: Shutdown
Apple Notes is already one of the most powerful apps on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Soon, with these changes in iOS 18.2, it will also become a real AI powerhouse.
What do you think of the new AI features in Notes? Let us know in the comments.
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