Apple Releases iOS 18.1 Beta with New AI Features

Apple has just released the first betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 to developers, introducing an early version of the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence features. These new betas will be tested alongside the current iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15 betas.

Apple Intelligence: General Features

Developers can opt into the new betas with Apple Intelligence or remain on the standard iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15 beta track. An iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an iPad or Mac with an Apple silicon chip is required to use Apple Intelligence. Only eligible devices will see the updates.

After updating, Apple Intelligence can be enabled in the Settings app. Developers must opt into the Apple Intelligence Waitlist, but access is typically granted within a few hours.

Several Apple Intelligence features are available today, including Writing Tools, a revamped design for Siri, the ability to switch between voice commands and typing for Siri, summaries for transcripts and other content, new Mail categories, and smart replies in Messages.

Writing Tools

With Writing Tools, users can rewrite, spellcheck, grammar check, and summarize text in Messages, Notes, Mail, Pages, and other apps where writing occurs. Summaries also work for transcripts in the Notes app.

Revamped Siri

Siri’s updated design now shows a glow around the edges of the screen when activated. Users can tap at the bottom of the display to type to Siri rather than using voice commands. Siri has access to Apple's product knowledge and support database, enabling it to provide assistance and maintain context between requests. Siri can follow along even if you stumble over your words or change your mind mid-sentence.

Mail and Messages

Mail now supports summaries of messages along with Smart Reply options, which are also available in the Messages app. The Reduce Interruptions Focus mode filters out unimportant notifications while surfacing those that require immediate attention, such as a ride arriving.

Photos and Search

The Photos app now supports Memories, allowing users to create slideshows with natural language requests. Search has been enhanced to include videos, making it easier to find specific segments.

Features Still in Development

Some features are not yet available, including Image Playground, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, the ability to erase objects in Photos, Priority Notifications, and additional Siri capabilities like more extensive app functionality and on-screen awareness. Apple plans to roll out these new capabilities over time with regular updates.

Availability

Currently, Apple Intelligence features are limited to the developer beta. It is unclear if there will be a public beta for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Apple plans to release Apple Intelligence in a beta capacity later this fall. Since these features are in a separate beta from the launch versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15, Apple Intelligence will not be available immediately when the new software updates are released in September.

It will still be in beta when Apple Intelligence officially launches this fall. Developers who are installing the new updates today (like myself!) should be aware that Apple Intelligence is in the early stages of development.