Originally introduced in iOS 18.1, Writing Tools was designed to elevate the quality of writing by checking spelling, and grammar, and even adjusting the tone to make text more professional, friendly, or concise. It also featured a Rewrite option for comprehensive edits. However, initial reactions to the feature were mixed, with many users finding the edits somewhat robotic and lacking in personality.
iOS 18.2: Empowering Users with Describe Your Change
The latest update, iOS 18.2, takes user feedback into account by expanding the capabilities of Writing Tools with the new Describe Your Change feature. This tool allows users to input specific commands like “make this more academic” or “make this sound more fun,” offering more granular control over the text modifications.
How Does Describe Your Change Work?
Accessible via the Apple Intelligence menu, Describe Your Change integrates seamlessly into any iOS app that accepts text. Once activated, users can simply select the text, access Writing Tools from the pop-up menu, and type their desired changes into the new text field at the top of the menu. The process is straightforward yet powerful, providing immediate enhancements tailored to the user’s needs.
Real-World Performance
To evaluate the effectiveness of Describe Your Change, several tests were conducted using various types of text, from team memos to famous movie dialogues. The results were promising:
- Enthusiasm Boost: A memo describing a mundane task was transformed to sound significantly more exciting, turning phrases like “looking forward to great things” into “the amazing things and incredible results we’re going to achieve together.”
- Increased Humility: A demanding letter to Santa Claus was rewritten to sound more humble and grateful, altering presumptive statements into expressions of hope and gratitude.
- Friendlier Tone: Even a stern movie dialogue was softened, changing a confrontational speech into a more approachable and respectful exchange.
Despite these successes, the tool did show limitations. For instance, it struggled with complex requests like removing passive voice, suggesting that while the AI is capable of remarkable changes, it may not yet fully replace human editing.
While there are still improvements to be made, the enhancements in iOS 18.2′s Writing Tools indicate a significant step forward in the evolution of AI-assisted writing. Users seeking to refine their writing will find this tool increasingly useful, especially as Apple continues to refine its capabilities. This ongoing development not only improves user experience but also showcases Apple’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance everyday tasks.
For anyone involved in professional writing, or simply looking to improve their daily communications on their iPhone, the upgraded Writing Tools in iOS 18.2 offer a glimpse into the future of AI-powered text editing—an exciting prospect for all iPhone users.
