Apple is giving Image Playground a second chance. After a disappointing launch last year, the company is adding a major upgrade by powering it with ChatGPT.
This new version promises a better, more capable image generation tool. The goal is to fix past issues and compete with leading AI image apps.
A Rocky Beginning
Apple first introduced Image Playground in 2024 and marketed it as an easy way to create custom images using Apple Intelligence.
However, the app failed to impress. Many users found it unreliable and limited, and some reported odd results.
One user received a hand with six fingers, and others struggled to generate basic images like “old man” or “flower.”
The style options were also too simple. At launch, users could only pick from Animation, Illustration, Sketch, or Genmoji.
For many, the app felt more like a toy than a serious tool.
A Smarter Version
At the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), it announced a major upgrade: Image Playground will now include ChatGPT.
This is a key change. With ChatGPT, users can create more detailed and creative images. They are no longer limited to cartoon-like outputs. New style options include:
- Oil Painting
- Watercolor
- Vector
- Anime
There is also a flexible “Any Style” option that lets users describe what they want. ChatGPT then creates the image based on that input.
These new options appear under a “ChatGPT style” label. This update expands the app’s creative range. It also makes the tool more useful for both casual and serious users.
The Process
When a user enters a prompt, the app sends it to ChatGPT. The AI processes the request and returns an image.
Apple says it will only share prompts with ChatGPT if users allow it. This setup combines Apple’s design with ChatGPT’s creative power.
It helps deliver more accurate, high-quality results.
Apple’s Plan
Last year, Apple added ChatGPT to Siri. So, when Siri cannot answer a question, it now has the option to ask ChatGPT upon request by the user.
ChatGPT also supports Apple’s system-wide tools. It helps with writing, editing, and summarizing in apps like Notes and Mail.
By using ChatGPT in more areas, Apple strengthens its AI ecosystem. It also keeps up with competitors like Google and Microsoft, who are making fast progress in this space.
The upgraded Image Playground will launch with iOS 26 this fall. Once available, users can explore the new styles and features.
