Apple Intelligence debuts with iOS 18.1 Beta

In an unprecedented move, Apple has released the iOS 18.1 beta to developers ahead of the official iOS 18 launch. This early release introduces the new Apple Intelligence features and is designed to gather feedback to refine them before they become available to the public

The iOS 18.1 beta introduces several notable features focused on enhancing user experience through artificial intelligence. These features include advancements in writing tools, Siri enhancements, and improvements in Mail, Messages, and more.

Writing Tools: The writing tools menu offers features for proofreading text, correcting grammar and punctuation, and rephrasing content. It also supports text summarisation, bullet point creation, and table generation.

Siri Enhancements: Siri has received a visual update with a colourful glow when activated and supports typing commands via a double-tap at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, Siri’s ability to understand speech with pauses and maintain context for follow-up commands has been improved.

Mail and Messages: The Mail app introduces a “Summarise” button for quick email insights and highlights priority messages, with summaries appearing in the inbox and notifications. Messages are also enhanced with summaries for new texts and notifications.

Call Recording: The Phone app includes a built-in call recording feature, with recordings saved in Notes alongside AI-generated transcripts.

Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode: This new focus mode uses on-device intelligence to filter notifications, allowing only important ones through while silencing the rest.

Photos and Safari: Photos supports natural language search, enhanced video moment search, and Memory creation with natural language prompts. Safari’s Reader view features a new summarisation option.

Currently, Apple Intelligence features are limited to iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, M-series iPads, and Macs. Additional features, such as image generation and ChatGPT integration, are anticipated in future updates like iOS 18.2 or 18.3.

Sources: Macworld , The Verge, Toms Guide

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