Apple is currently beta testing iOS 18.1 with developers, and it’s expected to be released in October. This update brings several new features and enhancements, particularly focusing on Apple Intelligence and changes to the iPhone’s NFC chip. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s coming in iOS 18.1.
Apple Intelligence Expands in iOS 18.1
Apple Intelligence, introduced at WWDC in June, is Apple’s suite of artificial intelligence features designed to enhance various aspects of your iPhone experience. iOS 18.1 will include the first wave of these capabilities, offering new tools and improvements across multiple apps.
Writing Tools: Enhance Your Text with AI
One of the standout features is Writing Tools, which allows users to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text with just a few taps. The available options include:
- Rewrite
- Proofread
- Make Friendly
- Make Professional
- Make Concise
- Summarize
- Create Key Points
- Make List
- Make Table
Reduce Interruptions: A Smarter Focus Mode
iOS 18.1 introduces a new Focus mode called Reduce Interruptions. This AI-powered feature filters notifications, only showing those that require immediate attention, such as urgent texts. Like other Focus modes, it can be customized in the Settings app.
Photos App Upgrades
Apple Intelligence also brings new capabilities to the Photos app. Now, you can create memories on demand by typing a description, with Apple Intelligence selecting the best photos and videos to fit the theme. Additionally, natural language search in Photos is improved, making it easier to find specific moments, even in videos.
Siri Enhancements
While the major Siri updates are slated for later releases, iOS 18.1 introduces a new design for Siri with a glowing light around the screen edge when active. Siri is now better at understanding context across multiple requests and handling interruptions during queries.
Mail App Gets Smarter
The Mail app in iOS 18.1 benefits from several Apple Intelligence features. A new “Priority Messages” section highlights urgent emails, while a “Summarize” button provides quick overviews of messages. The “Smart Reply” feature suggests responses, ensuring that all questions in an email are addressed.
NFC Access for Third-Party Apps
One of the most significant changes in iOS 18.1 is the opening of the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party developers. This will allow apps to use the NFC chip for contactless features such as in-store payments, car keys, transit passes, and more. Developers interested in accessing the NFC chip must enter into a commercial agreement with Apple and pay associated fees.
How to Install the iOS 18.1 Beta
Currently, the iOS 18.1 beta is available only for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These models support the new Apple Intelligence features, though the beta will eventually roll out to other iPhone models without these AI features.
iOS 18.1 Release Timeline
Apple typically releases its point-one updates in October, and iOS 18.1 is expected to follow this pattern. As beta testing continues, more changes and features may be introduced, so stay tuned for updates.
This iOS 18.1 update is shaping up to be a significant one, especially with the integration of Apple Intelligence and expanded NFC capabilities. Whether you’re a developer eager to test these new features or an iPhone user looking forward to the official release, iOS 18.1 is set to offer some exciting enhancements.