Apple is giving you another reason to try its AI image generator, Image Playground, after its underwhelming launch last year. The tech company is now teaming up with ChatGPT to improve the quality and variety of images you can create with the app. This announcement was made at this year’s WWDC, and it marks a fresh attempt to win back users who were disappointed by the original version.
Why Image Playground got off to a rocky start
When Apple first introduced Image Playground, it was promoted as a fun and simple way to make custom AI-generated images using Apple Intelligence. However, many of you found the results disappointing. Instead of creative and detailed pictures, the app often produced cartoonish images that lacked realism.
Some users even took to Reddit to share their frustration. One person pointed out that when they asked for a close-up of a hand, the app generated an image with six fingers. Another said that the app struggled to produce basic results, like a picture of an “old man” or a “flower.” These errors led many to see the app as more of a novelty than a serious tool.
Decided to try out Image Playground on my iPhone. Why is Apple’s AI so bad?
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Even though a few users found it fun, many questioned the point of using Image Playground when other AI image generators offer more polished results for free.
What the ChatGPT update means for you
Now, Apple is giving Image Playground a major update by adding ChatGPT. This new feature should allow the app to produce more detailed and accurate images. You’ll soon be able to create pictures in five new styles: Oil Painting, Watercolor, Vector, Anime, and Print. These go well beyond the basic emoji-style images the app was known for.
You’ll also find a new “Any Style” option. With this, you can describe exactly what you want, and the app will work with ChatGPT to bring your idea to life. When you choose one of these new styles, it’ll be marked under a section called “ChatGPT style,” making it clear what features are powered by the new integration.
Until now, you were limited to just four style choices: Animation, Illustration, Sketch, and Gimmicky. Adding ChatGPT gives you far more freedom to explore creative ideas with better-looking results.
Apple says your descriptions will be shared with ChatGPT only after you give permission. This is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to protect your privacy while adding more AI-powered features to its apps.
A broader AI strategy from Apple
This update is part of Apple’s broader move to include ChatGPT across its products. Last year, Apple announced that Siri would use ChatGPT when it couldn’t answer a question independently. Users could also ask Siri to send questions directly to ChatGPT. The tool has also been built into Apple’s Writing Tools, so you can get help writing or editing text in apps like Mail and Notes.
By using ChatGPT in more areas, Apple is ensuring that its users can benefit from advanced AI features while remaining within the Apple ecosystem.
The new version of Image Playground will roll out with iOS 26 this autumn. If you gave up on the app before, now might be the time to give it another go.
