Apple today released the first betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 to developers, introducing early versions of new software Apple Intelligence features. These new betas will be tested alongside the current iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia 15 betas.
Developers can choose whether to opt for new betas with Apple Intelligence or stay on the standard iOS 18/ iPadOS 18/ macOS Sequoia 15 beta track. Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an iPad or Mac with an Apple Silicon chip, and only eligible devices will see the updates.
After the update, you can enable Apple Intelligence in the Settings app. There is an Apple Intelligence waiting list that developers must opt into, but access is granted within hours.
Many Apple Intelligence features are available today, including writing tools, Siri’s revamped design, voice commands and the option to type to ‘Siri’, summaries for transcripts and other content, new mail types and Smart Replies, including Smart Replies in Messages. Even more.
With writing tools, you can rewrite text, check spelling, check grammar, and summarize text in messages, notes, mail, pages, and other applications. Abbreviations also work for transcripts in Notes application.
Siri’s updated design shows a glow around the edges of the screen when ‘Siri’ is activated, and tapping the bottom of the display lets you type ‘Siri’ instead of using voice commands. Siri has all of Apple’s product knowledge and Apple’s support database, so you can ask for help, and the personal assistant can maintain context between requests and better follow up if you stumble over your words or change your mind while speaking.
The Message app supports summarization of mail messages with Smart Reply options. Minimizing Distractions Focus mode is available to filter out unimportant notifications, while instantly delivering the notifications you need, such as when a ride arrives.
Photos supports memories, so you can create a slideshow with natural language requests, and there’s also natural language for search. Search now includes videos, so you can go to the video section you’re looking for.
Features not available today include Photo Playground, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, the option to erase objects in photos, priority notifications and other ‘Siri’ capabilities like the ability to do more in apps and screen awareness. Apple releases new capabilities over time with regular updates.
For now, Apple Intelligence features are limited to the developer beta, and it’s unclear whether 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, and since these features are in separate betas from the release versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15, Apple Intelligence won’t be available immediately. Software updates will first roll out in September.
While Apple Intelligence will officially launch this fall, it will still be in beta. Developers planning to install new updates today should be aware that Apple Intelligence is still in the early stages of development.
