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iOS 18.2 Drops Sketch Style from Image Playground Feature!

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iOS 18.2 Drops Sketch Style from Image Playground Feature!

Apple has recently launched its second wave of Apple Intelligence, the iOS 18.2 beta. This version serves as a replica of the stable version, allowing selected users to test and experience all the upcoming features. Among the anticipated updates, iOS 18.2 will introduce several new Apple Intelligence features, including ChatGPT integration in Siri and new AI-powered image editing tools. One of the most awaited tools is Image Playground, which was initially introduced at WWDC 2024 as a key feature that would generate images in three styles: animation, illustration, and sketch. However, it appears that Apple is taking a step back, as the new iOS 18.2 beta version does not include the sketch style.

Changes in Image Playground

In the latest iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 betas, the Image Playground app now includes only animation and illustration styles, raising questions about whether the sketch style might eventually be added back. Apple has recently edited the app’s description to remove any mention of Sketch, which was previously highlighted as a highly detailed and academic style that creates beautiful drawings on plain backgrounds.

Previous Features

Originally, Image Playground was designed to provide users with three distinct styles for image generation:

  • Animation: Offers a whimsical, 3D cartoon look with expressive characters and cinematic environments.
  • Illustration: Defined by strong outlines, simple shapes, and bold colors, providing uplifting and playful compositions.
  • Sketch: Intended to produce highly detailed drawings on stark backgrounds.

The removal of the Sketch option has led to speculation about Apple’s future plans for this feature.

What is an Image Playground?

Image Playground is a brand-new app designed to help users create images from their ideas. Much like ChatGPT, users can generate images by entering a prompt with suggested categories like themes, locations, and costumes to spark inspiration. The app focuses on stylized content, so the images won’t be realistic and can be generated in animation or illustration styles.

Functionality

Users can incorporate likenesses of friends and family by selecting images directly from their Photos app. While Image Playground works as a standalone app, it can also be integrated with apps like Notes and Messages and even added to third-party applications.

The application is geared toward both casual and professional users alike, providing a more dynamic approach to photo and image editing directly on their iPhones.

iOS 18.2 Launch and Features

The official launch of iOS 18.2 is confirmed for the first week of December. Apple will start rolling out the features to eligible devices, including iPhone 15 Pro models and iPhone 16 series. The iOS 18.2 update promises a range of exciting features designed to enhance both productivity and personalization for iPhone users.

Notable Additions

  1. Built-in ChatGPT: Offering on-demand AI assistance directly within iOS.
  2. Genmoji: Allows users to create custom AI-powered emojis, providing a fun way to express themselves with unique icons beyond standard emoji options.

Conclusion 

The removal of the Sketch style from Image Playground in iOS 18.2 beta raises questions about Apple’s commitment to offering diverse creative tools within its ecosystem. While users will still have access to animation and illustration styles for image generation, the absence of sketch functionality may limit creative expression for some.

As Apple prepares for the official release of iOS 18.2 in December, it remains to be seen whether the sketch option will be reinstated or if additional styles will be introduced in future updates. The ongoing evolution of Image Playground reflects Apple’s broader strategy to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its products while enhancing user engagement through innovative features.

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Apple’s iOS 18.7 vs iOS 26: Which Update Should You Choose for Your iPhone in 2025?

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StartupStories iOS 26

Apple’s recent iOS 18.7 rollout provides a secure alternative to the visually revamped iOS 26, empowering iPhone users to choose between system stability and next-generation features. While iOS 18.7 focuses on important security updates and bug fixes, it maintains the familiar iOS experience for users of older devices like iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and SE models up to the 16e. The update is lightweight—about one-fifteenth the size of iOS 26—which means quicker downloads and less storage consumption. It’s designed for reliability and fast installation, making it ideal for users who prioritize a stable and secure operating system over design changes.

In contrast, iOS 26 introduces Apple’s ambitious “Liquid Glass” interface with a transparent look across apps, enhanced widget and lock screen customization, smarter Siri, and improved camera controls. These innovations, however, come with a larger update size and compatibility exclusive to newer iPhones beginning from the iPhone 11 series. While early adopters can enjoy the futuristic interface and AI-powered upgrades, major OS launches may present initial bugs or app compatibility issues that cautious users typically wish to avoid.

Choosing between iOS 18.7 and iOS 26 depends on each user’s priorities—those seeking guaranteed stability and fast security fixes should consider sticking with iOS 18.7, while users excited about premium features and visual changes should migrate to iOS 26 if their device supports it. Both updates are available through Software Update settings, and Apple will support iOS 18.7 for only a limited duration, eventually encouraging all users to transition to the latest platform. This dual update strategy ensures every iPhone user can safely update their device for a seamless and secure experience in 2025.

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Deep-Tech Startup EndureAir Raises INR 25 Crore from IAN Alpha Fund to Boost Drone Innovation

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EndureAir, a deep-tech drone startup specializing in UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and aerial robotics solutions, has successfully raised INR 25 crore in a funding round led by IAN Alpha Fund, with participation from IAN Angel Fund. The fresh capital infusion will enable EndureAir to enhance its advanced drone technologies for defense applications, broaden its reach in enterprise markets, and accelerate the development of next-generation high-altitude logistics and aerial robotics platforms.

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Abhishek, a professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, along with his former students Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain, EndureAir stands out in India’s indigenous UAV sector by developing both hardware and software in-house. Backed by over 15 years of rotorcraft research and holding eight patents in flight dynamics and autonomous systems, the company has rapidly established itself as a pioneer in the deep-tech drone ecosystem.

EndureAir’s flagship drone platforms, including the Sabal heavy-lift UAV family inducted by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command and the Vibhram drone supporting Telangana’s Medicine from the Sky program, are deployed in critical operations. The startup also collaborates with Bharat Electronics Limited for co-developing high-altitude drones and works with Bhutan’s Druk Holding & Investments on remote logistics missions. With this funding, EndureAir aims to position India as a global leader in UAV innovation, advancing resilient domestic drone systems for defense and enterprise applications.

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Venture Catalysts Raises Rs 150 Crore to Boost Multi-Stage VC Platform and AI Capabilities

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Venture Catalysts, a leading Mumbai-based venture capital platform, has secured Rs 150 crore (around $18 million) through a strategic mix of primary and secondary transactions. This fresh round of funding resulted in a company valuation of approximately $200 million and drew participation from high-profile investors such as Ashish Kacholia, the Shah Rukh Khan family office, Aishwarya Rai, as well as several established capital market veterans and renowned business houses. The move not only demonstrates strong investor confidence but also positions Venture Catalysts at the forefront of India’s rapidly evolving startup landscape.

The infusion of capital is earmarked to accelerate key initiatives, including expanding Venture Catalysts’ leadership team, launching new investment funds, and exploring advanced technology solutions with an emphasis on AI-enabled due diligence and reporting tools. Additionally, the firm aims to strengthen its footprint across major Indian startup hubs and grow its suite of Category II alternative investment funds, harnessing this growth to support a new wave of promising startups and founders within the ecosystem.

Since its inception in 2016, Venture Catalysts has evolved from an angel network to a multi-fund powerhouse, managing over $500 million in assets and deploying nearly $200 million across more than 400 startups, including industry leaders like BharatPe, Renee Cosmetics, and InsuranceDekho. This latest funding round reinforces Venture Catalysts’ pivotal role in nurturing and scaling some of India’s most innovative startups, catalyzing growth throughout the country’s thriving entrepreneurial sector.

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