iOS 18.1: How to get iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence
The iOS 18.1 is available as a direct update on eligible devices. You can head to settings on your iPhone or iPad and look for the update. If you are unable to see the update option, wait for a while. It should rollout soon.
Since support for Apple Intelligence is limited to US English initially, you will have to change your phone’s language to US English if it is set to US India currently. After this, head to Settings - Apple Intelligence and Siri - Join the
After joining the waitlist, Apple Intelligence should come to your device on its own in a couple of hours.
Yes, there’s a waitlist involved. Beta users, who received the update earlier this year, have said the access files (typically large in size) required to run Apple Intelligence usually come within the same day.
For the unversed, Apple Intelligence is only compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, newer iPad models with M-series chips, and Macs equipped with M1 or later.
On a related note, Apple also has plans to introduce localised support for additional regions and languages, with Chinese, French, and Spanish expected to follow in 2025.
Apple Intelligence new features
One of the most anticipated elements of iOS 18.1 has been the addition of Apple Intelligence. This feature is specifically tailored to streamline everyday tasks, providing tools such as rewriting, reviewing, and summarizing text directly on the device. For example, iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro users can access the “Rewrite” tool, which offers suggestions to improve written text in professional, informal, or fun tones. With the “Review” function, users receive suggestions on grammar and structure, while the “Summary” option provides concise breakdowns of long texts, all powered by Apple’s in-house AI.
The real power of Apple Intelligence lies in its on-device processing, ensuring user data remains private and secure. Apple has announced plans to expand language support and compatibility with additional devices over the coming months, making this a significant evolution for users focused on productivity and security.
A smarter, more interactive Siri
iOS 18.1 has introduced a revamped Siri, now more intuitive and visually engaging. Siri has undergone significant updates to better understand natural language, allowing it to pick up on pauses, shifts in conversation, and contextual cues. This makes interacting with Siri more fluid and conversational, which could be especially helpful for users who rely on the assistant for multitasking.
The new Siri interface also features a vibrant, dynamic light indicator that wraps around the screen during interactions, creating a more engaging visual experience. Siri now allows users to activate “Type to Siri” with a double-tap, and it’s smarter at helping users navigate their devices by providing more specific guidance on performing actions. Siri’s improved voice is another addition, making it sound more natural and expressive, ultimately enhancing the user experience across devices.
Enhanced photo search and editing tools
With iOS 18.1, Apple has reimagined how users interact with their photo libraries, adding AI-driven tools for enhanced search and editing. Users can now search for images based on descriptive terms, helping them locate specific moments and items with ease. A new “Clean” function also allows users to remove distractions in photos, helping to simplify and highlight important details.
For those who enjoy creating memory videos, iOS 18.1 includes an AI-assisted tool that allows users to craft videos around chosen themes. This feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, compiles images and clips into cohesive memory reels, offering an easy way to revisit and share meaningful moments.
Streamlined notifications and messaging
Notification management is a crucial element of the iOS 18.1 update, providing more control over when and how alerts are delivered. With the new notification summary feature, users get a quick overview of the most relevant information without feeling bombarded by alerts. This aligns with Apple’s ongoing push for productivity, as users can remain updated while avoiding unnecessary interruptions.
In messages and mail, iOS 18.1 introduces “quick replies” for commonly used phrases, allowing users to streamline communication. The “priority messages” feature is another addition that highlights emails needing immediate attention, which can be especially useful for professionals managing high volumes of correspondence.
Call recording and real-time transcriptions
A particularly groundbreaking addition to iOS 18.1 is the new call recording feature, allowing users to capture and transcribe phone conversations. Within the Phone app, users can activate recording, with all parties automatically notified that the call is being recorded. Transcriptions can be saved in the Notes app, and users can search within the conversation text, making this feature ideal for business and personal use alike.
Camera and AirPods Enhancements
Apple has also focused on improving the camera experience, particularly for iPhone 16 users. New features in iOS 18.1 make switching between front and rear cameras quicker and more fluid. Users of the iPhone 15 Pro, meanwhile, gain access to a mode for capturing spatial photos, complementing the spatial video capabilities already in place.
The update also brings health-related features for
Alongside these exciting new features, iOS 18.1 also brings a range of bug fixes and enhancements to improve the overall system. Issues with playback interruptions in the Podcasts app, errors in car digital key functionality, and connectivity in the Control Center have been resolved. Additionally, search functionality in the App Store and Game Center invitations has been fine-tuned for smoother user experience.