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Apple has released the first developer beta of iOS 18.4, bringing an important innovation for creative image generation with Apple Intelligence. Image Playground, the AI-powered feature for creating custom images, is getting a new style option: Sketch. This means there are now three different styles that users can use for their images. The introduction of this feature was announced in June 2024, but has only now made it into the beta version with iOS 18.4.
The Image Playground app has been available since iOS 18.2, and Apple promotes it as one of the main features of Apple Intelligence. This feature allows you to create images directly on your iPhone, iPad or Mac by entering a simple description. The images can be used in messages, notes or via the standalone app. With iOS 18.4, Apple is expanding the creative possibilities by now offering the Sketch style in addition to the Animation and Illustration styles already available.
New style option for Image Playground
With the first beta of iOS 18.4, Apple is introducing the new “Sketch” style in Image Playground. This means that users now have a total of three different options to choose from:
- Animation: A stylized cartoon look with clear colors and sharp edges
- Illustration: Detailed, artistic images with smooth color transitions
- Sketch: A minimalist representation with simple lines and shading
The sketch style was already announced at WWDC 2024, but was not integrated into iOS 18.2 or iOS 18.3. Only now with iOS 18.4 has Apple included the full feature in the beta version.
availability and platforms
The new sketch feature is not only available for the iPhone with iOS 18.4. Apple has also introduced it for iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4. This means that users can use the new style option on all supported Apple devices.
Further improvements with iOS 18.4
iOS 18.4 brings a number of other changes in addition to the expansion of Image Playground. It remains to be seen what other improvements will follow in the upcoming beta versions, as Apple usually makes fine-tuning changes during the beta cycle.
New style option expands Image Playground in iOS 18.4
With iOS 18.4, Image Playground gets the promised sketch function, which significantly expands the creative possibilities of Apple Intelligence. Users can now choose between three different styles and adjust their image generation even more precisely. Since this is a beta version, changes may still occur before the final release. If you want to test the new feature now, you can download and try out the iOS 18.4 beta. Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a variety of products from top providers, including for HomeKit! (Image: Apfelpatient)
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