iOS 18.2 Makes AirPods More Powerful Than Ever, Here's Why

AirPods Pro 2 just got a huge update in iOS 18.1 with hearing aid, hearing test, and hearing protection features. But for many users, Apple's next update could be even more transformative, thanks to a key Apple Intelligence update. Here's how iOS 18.2 will make AirPods more powerful than ever.

ChatGPT via Siri is a game changer

Apple Intelligence launched in iOS 18.1, but some of its most anticipated new features are coming to iOS 18.2.

One such feature is ChatGPT integration with Siri.

I've been using the new AI feature for a few weeks now, and I think it has a lot of potential for users, especially when using AirPods.

When Apple first showed off the ChatGPT integration, it looked like you could only use OpenAI's intelligence for certain requests. As Apple has stated, Siri is better at personal knowledge that pertains to you, while ChatGPT can help with questions about “world knowledge.”

But one of the many interesting facts we learned when the first beta of iOS 18.2 was released is that ChatGPT can become your assistant for any Siri request.

iOS 18.2 lets you say “Ask ChatGPT” at the beginning of your Siri request to have it immediately sent to ChatGPT.

This could make your AirPods look like the movie Her, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson.

How AirPods in iOS 18.2 work with ChatGPT

When your AirPods are connected to a compatible iPhone or iPad running iOS 18.2 or iPadOS 18.2, you can invoke Siri the same way. as always.

On modern iPhones, this simply means saying one word: “Siri.”

Then you can say: “Ask ChatGPT…”

This flow is pretty streamlined. But what's really nice is the follow-up requests.

After ChatGPT responds to your request, Siri will wait for a short time for further requests. There’s no need to say, “Siri, ask ChatGPT” again.

Instead, you can simply ask a follow-up question or make a second unrelated request, and Siri will understand that you want to continue interacting with ChatGPT.

If you have a ChatGPT Plus account, you can even interact with ChatGPT’s enhanced voice mode for a more lifelike conversation.

Again, it all works seamlessly, and it feels very much like you’re entering the Her era of AirPods.

AirPods with ChatGPT feel like the future

None of the ChatGPT interactions through Siri and Apple Intelligence require AirPods. You can do all of this on your iPhone or iPad, or in many cases with another pair of headphones.

But doing it all with AirPods feels like the future. And gives you another reason to keep your AirPods in your ears as often as possible.

Have you tried ChatGPT interactions via Siri and your AirPods? What were your impressions? Let us know in the comments.