While developers are currently testing iOS 18 beta and all the other updates that will be released to the public in September, Apple is opening a new beta program. Indeed, developers can download iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 beta for a few minutes. These new versions introduce Apple Intelligence features!
Update :European developers are unable to access Apple Intelligence AI features for testing due to the European Union’s DMA law.
EDIT of 12/08 : Apple releases second beta of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1.
EDIT of 08/28 : Apple releases third beta of iOS 18.1 and company.
EDIT of 08/17 : Apple releases fourth beta of future versions
New betas are coming
Alongside the current iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 betas, Apple is releasing new, more advanced betas to developers (exclusively) tonight to test the new Apple Intelligence features. Of course, developers will need to have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to take advantage of the new AI features, as they are not available on lower-end iPhone models due to a lack of power.
Developers have a choice: they can either stay on the iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 beta program or upgrade their Apple devices to the updates coming out tonight. Apple is not forcing developers to install the latest beta versions. It should be noted, however, that if you are a developer and you do not own an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 15 Pro Max, it is not very interesting to go for the new update, the same goes for iPads and Macs which are not eligible for Apple Intelligence features.
A two-step activation of Apple Intelligence
If you are a developer and are already downloading iOS 18.1, be aware that you will not have access to AI features as soon as the update is installed. Indeed, an activation of Apple Intelligence will be necessary in the settings of the iPhone, iPad and Mac, after which you will have to wait a few hours to have access. Why this method? It’s impossible to know, but Apple appears to be filtering access to AI features through a waiting list.
The main new features
Among the AI features that will be available once Apple grants access, there are:
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- Smart replies in the Messages app
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- New categories and smart replies in mail
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- Summaries of transcripts and other content
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- Call recording
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- New version of Siri boosted with AI
What’s new in Beta 3:
All the news
Writing Tools
iOS 18.1 Writing Tools
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- Text Proofreading: Check for spelling and grammar errors, including word choice and sentence structure. You can accept all suggestions with one click or review them one by one with explanations.
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- Rewrite: Clean up what you’ve written and adjust the tone without affecting the content. Available options: Friendly, Professional, and Concise.
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- Summary: Select text and summarize it. You can create a paragraph, extract key points, make a list, or create a table. Summaries are available in Mail, Messages, and more.
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- Text selection: On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, use Apple Intelligence to access writing tools for summaries and other features.
Siri
iOS 18.1 Siri
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- New halo light: Around the edges of the screen when Siri is activated, applicable to iPhone, iPad, and CarPlay. On Mac, the Siri window can be placed anywhere. The halo animates with the sound of your voice to indicate that Siri is listening without interrupting your other activities.
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- Double tap: At the bottom of the screen to access the Type to Siri interface and type your requests instead of speaking them. On Mac, double-tap the Command key to access Type to Siri, which includes query suggestions to get answers faster.
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- Maintain context: Siri can maintain context between requests. For example, ask the temperature in Orlando, then “what’s the humidity?” Siri will know you’re still talking about Orlando.
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- Conversation tracking: If you stumble over your words or change sentences mid-stream, Siri follows.
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- Product Knowledge: Siri uses Apple’s product knowledge base to answer questions about your device’s features and settings, and can even find settings without you knowing their exact name.
iOS 18.1 Smart Replies
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- Summary button: To summarize your incoming emails, with a brief preview in your inbox list.
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- Priority messages: Mail highlights urgent messages at the top of your inbox.
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- Smart Replies: Offers contextual quick replies based on the content of the email.
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- Grouped notifications: on the lock screen, allowing you to see the content of emails without opening the app.
Messages
iOS 18.1 Smart Reply Messages
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- Smart Replies: Response options for incoming texts, based on message content.
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- Grouped notifications: on the lock screen.
Photos
iOS 18.1 Memory Maker
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- Create memory movies: from a description, such as “My cat in 2024” or “Orlando in summer”. The tool automatically chooses the appropriate photos and music, with customization options via Memory Mixes.
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- Natural language search: Describe what you’re looking for, such as “Eric on roller skates wearing green.”
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- Search in videos: Find specific moments in clips.
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- Search suggestions: to refine what you are looking for.
Transcription
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- Audio recording: In Notes and other apps, record audio and get a transcript with a summary, useful for lectures and other audio recordings.
Concentration Modes
iOS 18.1 Focus Mode Changes
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- Reduce Interruptions Mode: Shows only important notifications while filtering out the rest.
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- Personalization: When you edit an existing Focus mode or create a new one, there’s a new option to enable Smart Breakthrough and Silencing. You can also change notification settings for specific apps and people.
Phone
iOS 18.1 Call Recording
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- Call Recording: Available in iOS 18.1. While on a call, tap the record button in the upper-left corner of the screen. All participants are notified that the call is being recorded.
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- Recording storage: Recorded calls are stored in the Notes app, along with a transcription and summary generated.
Safari
iOS 18.1 Safari Summarize
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- Reading Mode: Option to have Apple Intelligence summarize the article for you.
Apple Intelligence Report
iOS 18.1 Apple Intelligence Report
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- Access and export: In the Privacy and Security section of Settings, you can access the Apple Intelligence report and export your Apple Intelligence data, in line with Apple’s commitment to transparency. Face ID is required to access and export this data.
The first beta will not offer all the new AI features of Apple Intelligence, developers will have to wait for the next betas. This is where they will find other new features such as AI priority notifications, the integration of ChatGPT following the agreement with OpenAI, Image Playground or even Genmoji.
At this time, there is no information for a rollout to public testers.
