The ChatGPT integration in iOS will reportedly launch in December.
Apple’s latest update for iOS 18.2 is bringing AI right to your fingertips in a whole new way. In an exciting new feature unveiled in the second iOS 18.2 developer beta, iPhone users will soon be able to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus directly through the Settings menu, according to 9to5Mac. This convenient integration represents a seamless, Apple-esque approach to accessing premium AI-powered tools—no separate app, no extra steps, just straight from Settings.
This means that anyone who frequently uses ChatGPT within iOS can unlock ChatGPT Plus without leaving the familiar interface of their iPhone settings. ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI’s enhanced version of ChatGPT, provides access to more sophisticated capabilities, like the advanced GPT-4o model, which offers more depth in responses and a greater daily message capacity. The premium tier costs $19.99 a month, and it’s ideal for those who find themselves regularly bumping up against the daily free limit.
What’s Different with ChatGPT Plus?
For heavy users of AI tools on iPhone, ChatGPT Plus offers some significant perks. The GPT-4o model enables richer, more nuanced interactions compared to the free tier’s limitations. You’ll also get a higher daily limit on interactions, which means you can rely more heavily on ChatGPT to assist with research, summaries, or creative work without worrying about being cut off.
Another convenience: iOS 18.2 now allows you to monitor your ChatGPT usage within Settings. This tracker can show how close you are to the daily limit, making it easy to decide if upgrading to ChatGPT Plus would be worthwhile based on your actual usage patterns.
A New Frontier for In-Settings Subscriptions
While Apple has integrated many services into its Settings menu before, the addition of third-party AI subscription options like ChatGPT Plus sets an interesting precedent. Apple hasn’t clarified yet if it will take a cut of these in-Settings ChatGPT Plus subscriptions, which would typically be the case with App Store purchases. Neither Apple nor OpenAI has responded to requests for clarification on this point.
Apple’s move to include ChatGPT Plus suggests it may be opening up to a broader ecosystem of AI-powered tools—especially with rumors swirling about a possible future integration with Google’s Gemini AI. Talks are reportedly in progress between Apple and Google about incorporating Gemini, Google’s competitor to ChatGPT, directly into iOS. Should Apple make Gemini available in Settings, users might soon see an option to upgrade to Gemini Advanced right alongside ChatGPT Plus. This would give iPhone owners an expanded selection of advanced AI features, all available with just a few taps.
iOS 18.2’s Full AI Rollout: Visual Intelligence and Genmoji
ChatGPT Plus isn’t the only new AI functionality in iOS 18.2. Apple is bringing several other AI-driven enhancements to the iPhone experience with this update. Notable among these is Visual Intelligence, which allows users to extract insights from photos and other visual media directly from within iOS. Imagine pointing your iPhone camera at a piece of artwork and instantly learning more about its history or identifying objects and people in your photos with advanced precision.
Another innovative feature, Genmoji, is set to let users create personalized, AI-driven emojis based on their facial expressions or styles. This customization could bring an entirely new level of personality to digital interactions, allowing users to create unique Genmoji that look and feel like a natural extension of themselves.
When Can You Get iOS 18.2?
Eager to try these new AI capabilities? According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 18.2 is expected to launch to the public in the week of December 2nd. This release is just around the corner, so users won’t have to wait long to see Apple’s latest AI innovations in action.
Why iOS 18.2 Marks a Shift in Apple’s AI Strategy
For years, Apple’s approach to AI has been largely behind the scenes, with features focused on privacy and integration. But iOS 18.2 suggests Apple is ready to bring AI front and center, letting iPhone users explore and benefit from the latest advancements in conversational AI, visual recognition, and customization. By embedding these tools right into the Settings menu, Apple is creating a more seamless, accessible experience for users interested in leveraging AI in their day-to-day lives.
Whether you’re an AI enthusiast looking for richer capabilities with ChatGPT Plus, a creative user ready to explore Genmoji, or someone who could benefit from Visual Intelligence’s insights, iOS 18.2 has something for everyone. And with more potential partnerships on the horizon, Apple seems poised to make the iPhone an even smarter companion—one that’s ready to help you do more, right from the Settings app.
