Apple has just released developer beta versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, bringing users the company's first artificial intelligence (AI) features.
New Apple Intelligence features in the beta include an updated Siri design and the ability to maintain context across multiple requests, smart replies and email summaries in Mail, natural language search in Photos, and more. Some of Apple’s AI features, like a major Siri upgrade, will be rolled out later and last until 2025, according to a Bloomberg report.
To install these updates, users will need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. For iPads and Macs, devices with Apple Silicon chips are required. After installation, users will have to join the waiting list from the Settings menu on their device until they are notified that the feature is ready to use.
At the same time as the first 18.1 betas were released, Apple also released the second beta for iOS 18 with some of the features seen in the recent developer beta like RCS support on more carriers, a new set of CarPlay wallpapers, and the ability to use dark mode widgets when in light mode.
Apple announced new AI features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
Apple doesn’t typically release betas for its next software updates before the first version is released to the public. But breaking the AI updates into versions and starting testing with developers now could help Apple iron out bugs and test features before new phones and tablets ship with iOS and iPadOS 18, experts say.
Meanwhile, users can expect a host of new features that improve the experience of using the device. Siri with its ability to maintain context will bring more flexibility and convenience in interacting with the virtual assistant. Smart replies and email summaries will help users manage their inbox more effectively. Language search in Photos will make searching for images easier and faster.