The wait is over. Apple Intelligence makes its proper debut with the public release of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 today. Usually, single-point versions of Apple’s applications add small features and fix bugs, but this year brings a major update as the Apple Intelligence features were not ready in time for the release of iOS 18. Considering the new iPhone 16 series called “built for -Apple Intelligence,” but launched without built-in features, this release has been a long time in the making. Those with older devices may find that iOS 18.1 doesn’t trigger an update, as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the only previous-generation iPhones to support Apple Intelligence.
You’ll know you can use Apple Intelligence when you receive a notification from the company. The first productive AI features to explore include writing tools like proofreading and rewriting, as well as text summaries.
There are live recordings available for calls and audio in the Notes app. Apple can generate summaries of these recordings. In addition, Apple can rearrange your photos and videos from memorable events such as trips and special events in the customized Photos app. You can create your memories in the app as well.
The start of the Siri overhaul is also here. You can now type requests and questions into the previous voice-only assistant. If you still prefer to talk to it, Siri should be able to understand requests if you stutter or interrupt yourself. The Siri UI has been changed, as you will see a glowing border on the screen when you turn it on. However, you’ll need to wait longer for other Siri-driven features, such as the ability for the assistant to better understand your personal context.
Apple Intelligence on iPhone
Apple Intelligence is currently available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 lineup. IM-series iPads and Macs also support Apple Intelligence, as does the new iPad mini A17 Pro -powered.
Keep in mind that access is currently limited to those who set their device and Siri language set to US English. Apple Intelligence will be available in more countries and languages in December. Apple does not plan to widely offer AI tools in the European Union or in China immediately due to regulatory issues, although since September it was in talks with officials in both markets to make Apple Intelligence available there.
In addition to Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.1 adds support for other new features, such as hearing tests and the ability to use AirPods Pro as over-the-counter hearing aids. It should be easy to change the email address associated with your Apple Account as well.
You’ll need to wait a little longer to get some of the promised Apple Intelligence features. The company released iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 developer betas last week. As well as additional writing tools, the betas include Genmoji (a custom emoji generator), Photo Playground (animated image generation and graphic style), Google Lens-like Visual Intelligence integration and ChatGPT.
Availability of Apple Intelligence around the world
For those who want to use Apple Intelligence in other countries and languages, Apple says it will add support for English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK in December. A major update in April will expand language support beyond English — Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese are among the new languages to be supported. Apple also says “other” unspecified languages will be added, too.
How to update your iPhone to iOS 18.1
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Open the “Settings” app and tap “General.”
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Tap “Software Update.”
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Your phone will download the latest available software update. From there, you can tap “update now” or “update tonight.”
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Enter your iPhone’s passcode to start the update.
Update, October 28 2024, 12:15PM ET: This article has been updated with notes on how to update your iPhone to iOS 18.1.
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