Apple’s Image Playground feature, introduced in June as part of its Apple Intelligence suite, originally promised three artistic styles: animation, illustration, and sketch. However, recent updates to the app, available in the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 betas, reveal that the sketch option has been removed, leaving only animation and illustration styles.

In the initial description, the “Sketch” style was highlighted for its ability to create highly detailed and academic drawings on stark backgrounds. However, with the latest update, this option is no longer mentioned, and the app now only refers to animation and illustration.

The animation style delivers whimsical, 3D cartoon-like images with expressive characters and cinematic settings, while the illustration style is defined by strong outlines, simple shapes, and bold colors, evoking a playful and uplifting feel.

Despite the update, one reference to the original three style options still remains in the app’s introduction: “Image Playground, powered by Apple Intelligence, lets you turn descriptions, concepts, or people from your photo library into original, fun images in three unique styles.” This reference likely will be removed in the coming updates.

While the sketch option is still listed on Apple’s website as part of its Apple Intelligence features, it is expected to be removed soon. As of now, it remains unclear why Apple chose to drop the sketch style from Image Playground, or if other styles will be added in the future. The updates, which currently only offer animation and illustration styles, are expected to roll out in early December.