Apple has released its latest developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing its AI-driven features designed to enhance user experiences across devices.
These updates bring a redesigned Siri that can maintain context over multiple interactions, new smart reply and email summary features in Mail, and enhanced natural language search capabilities in Photos.
However, features such as a complete change of Siri are scheduled for gradual release, extending into 2025, as reported by Bloomberg.
To access these new features, users must own an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max or a device with an Apple Silicon chip.
After installation, users are required to join a waitlist via the device’s Settings menu, as indicated by @iSWUpdates on X.
Concurrent with the debut of the 18.1 developer previews, Apple has also launched a second public beta for iOS 18. This update includes enhancements such as expanded RCS support, new CarPlay wallpapers, and the ability to use dark mode widgets while in light mode.
Historically, follow-up software updates like 18.1 have not been released before the public rollout of the initial version, but Apple has moved from its usual practice.
In releasing these AI updates as an 18.1 beta, Apple aims to identify and resolve possible issues ahead of a wider launch, ensuring a smooth transition for upcoming iPhone 16 users who will receive iOS 18 this fall.
Currently, Apple Intelligence features are available exclusively to developers, with a broader beta release anticipated soon. These Apple fine-tuned features are expected to evolve, giving users a polished experience upon full launch. The early developer beta lacks some functionalities, which are slated for later release.
Among the new tools, Apple’s Writing Tools provide proofreading, grammar checks, and tone adjustments, with options for creating summaries and lists across various apps.
Siri now has a visual glow that responds to voice interactions, enhancing usability without distraction. Additionally, users can interact with Siri using text prompts, with a new interface that simplifies typing requests. Siri’s improved contextual awareness allows for more seamless follow-up queries, enhancing user interaction.
Mail improvements include the ability to summarise emails and prioritise time-sensitive messages, ensuring users can quickly identify important information. Smart Reply options offer quick responses based on email content, while the Lock Screen now consolidates multiple notifications.
The Photos app benefits from a natural language search feature, enabling users to find specific images or moments more intuitively. Memory Movie creation allows for the easy compilation of thematic slideshows, complete with music and customisable scenes.
Again, Apple Intelligence introduces transcription features in Notes and other apps, allowing users to convert audio recordings into text with accompanying summaries, making it ideal for lectures and meetings. The Focus Modes now include a “Reduce Interruptions” setting, leveraging AI to filter non-essential notifications.
iOS 18.1 also introduces phone call recording, notifying all participants and storing the recordings in the Notes app, complete with transcripts.
Safari gains the ability to summarise articles in Reader Mode, while users can access an Apple Intelligence Report in the Settings app, ensuring transparency in data usage.
The rollout of Apple Intelligence is currently restricted to U.S. English users, with availability limited to select regions.
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