Apple Releases iOS 18.1 Developer Beta with the First ‘Apple Intelligence’ iPhone Features

Apple has rolled out the developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, marking the introduction of its first set of Apple Intelligence features. This release opens up a new era of AI capabilities across Apple’s ecosystem, providing early access to developers for testing and feedback.

Apple Intelligence Features

The Apple Intelligence suite introduces several advanced AI functionalities designed to enhance user experience across Apple devices. Here’s a look at some of the standout features:

Siri Enhancements

• Updated Design: Siri sports a refreshed look, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.

• Context Maintenance: Siri can now maintain context across multiple requests, making interactions smoother and more conversational.

Mail Features

• Smart Reply: The Mail app now suggests intelligent responses, saving users time and effort.

• Email Summaries: Users can receive concise summaries of their emails, enabling quick insights and better email management.

Photos

• Natural Language Search: Searching through photos becomes easier with the ability to use natural language queries, enhancing the overall photo browsing experience.

Other Tweaks

• Various other improvements and tweaks have been made to refine the user experience across different apps and services.

How to Access the Developer Beta

To install the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer betas, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or an Apple Silicon-powered iPad or Mac. Once installed, users must join a waitlist from the Settings menu to access the new Apple Intelligence features. This process involves setting both the device and Siri language to US English and waiting for a notification indicating readiness for access.

Screenshot: iOS 18.1 beta update notes. Image: Liam James.

Public Beta and Future Updates

Simultaneously with the developer beta release, Apple has also rolled out the second public beta for iOS 18. This version includes features such as RCS support on more carriers, new CarPlay wallpapers, and dark mode widgets usable in light mode.

Apple’s decision to release follow-up software update betas before the public launch of the initial version is a strategic move to ensure the robustness of its AI features. By introducing the 18.1 update and testing it with developers now, Apple aims to identify and resolve bugs early, providing a seamless experience when the features become widely available. This approach also ensures that the launch of new devices, like the upcoming iPhone 16, is not impacted by unforeseen software issues.

Background and Future Outlook

Apple first announced the AI enhancements during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. The public beta for iOS 18 was made available on July 15th. With the anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 this fall, these incremental updates allow Apple to fine-tune its AI capabilities and deliver a polished experience to its users.

By splitting its AI updates into the 18.1 release, Apple can gather valuable developer feedback and make necessary adjustments before a broader rollout. This phased approach highlights Apple's commitment to innovation and quality, ensuring that new features are not only cutting-edge but also reliable and user-friendly.