Apple has rolled out the latest iOS 18.1,iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates, bringing the first Apple Intelligence features to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. This free software update introduces Apple's AI system, designed to enhance productivity and simplify tasks using on-device processing for privacy.
Apple Intelligence will use the power of Apple silicon to understand and generate language and images, perform actions across apps, and utilise personal context to streamline everyday activities. This initial release includes a selection of features, with more planned for the coming months
Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of this update, including device compatibility and how to opt-in.
What's New with Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1?
1. Writing Tools:
- Summarize: Quickly get the gist of long texts or documents.
- Proofread: Catch those pesky typos or grammatical errors instantly.
- Rewrite: Refine your writing for tone, length, or clarity.
2. Siri Enhancements:
- Siri now sports a sleek new interface with a glowing light effect, making it more visually engaging.
- Improved speech understanding, even if you stumble over words or make follow-up requests.
3. Photos App Improvements:
- Clean Up Tool: Remove unwanted elements from your photos with the help of AI to seamlessly fill in the background.
- Memory Movies: Describe what you want, and Photos will create a thematic movie from your gallery.
4. Communication Enhancements:
- Notification Summaries: Get a quick overview of what's important without sifting through every alert.
- Smart Reply: Auto-suggest replies in Messages and Mail for faster communication.
5. Focus Mode:
- Reduce Interruptions: A new mode that only shows notifications that require immediate attention, helping you stay focused.
6. Additional Features:
- Call Recording: Now available on iPhone XS and newer models, with transcription summaries to boot.
- Spatial Camera Mode: Exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and later models, enhancing video recording with depth.
Device Compatibility for iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence:
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| Apple Intelligence supported device list |
- iPhones: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.1
- iPads: iPad models with A17 Pro or any M-series chip (M1 or later) running iPadOS 18.1
- Macs: Macs equipped with M1 or later chips running macOS Sequoia 15.1
- Device language and Siri language set to a supported language
- 4 GB of storage
Partial features for older models starting from iPhone XS, but without the full Apple Intelligence suite.
Supported Language
In December, Apple Intelligence will add support for English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa), and English (UK). Over the course of the next year, Apple Intelligence will expand to more languages, like Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others.
How to Access Apple Intelligence Features:
Apple Intelligence, available with the latest iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates, is initially accessible in most regions with the device and Siri language set to US English.
Support for localised English in several countries will be added in December, followed by expanded language support, including Chinese, French, and Spanish, in April and throughout the year.
Apple Intelligence primarily uses the iPhone's chip, which is why it does not work on earlier devices, though some more complicated queries will be handled by Apple's servers.
You must also turn it on by requesting access to Apple Intelligence in the Settings app. Doing so puts users on a waiting list. Apple has not specified how long the wait will take, but during the beta tests over the summer, users typically received access within the same day.
Your phone will download large files - Apple's AI models - that Apple Intelligence needs to operate.
Ensure your device is one of the compatible models listed above.
- Update: Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 18.1. You can check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Activation:
- Navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- If not yet available, you might need to join the waitlist by tapping Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
- Using Features:
- Writing Tools: These are available across apps like Notes and Mail for text editing tasks.
- Photos: Use "Clean Up" or "Memories" directly in the Photos app.
- Siri: Just start speaking or typing your request using the new Type to Siri feature.
Tips for Users:
If you haven’t received the iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence, you can change your language settings to English US in Settings > Language & Region and reboot the device.
Apple's integration of AI into iOS 18.1 with these new features marks a significant step towards making your iPhone a smart device and a more intelligent companion.
This update not only enhances the functionality of your iPhone but also introduces you to a more intelligent interaction with your device. Whether you're summarizing a long email or creating a memory movie from your latest trip, Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 aims to make your iPhone experience more intuitive and efficient.
Enjoy exploring these new features!