A few minutes ago Apple finally released the final versions of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 worldwide. It is a big step because the Big Apple has been developing this version since mid-August. You already know that it is an important update because it is the first step in the landing of Apple Intelligence in the Apple ecosystem. But beyond all these new features focused on AI, other new features have also been included that are of interest to users who cannot access them. Below we take a look at all the new features in iOS 18.1.
iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence
At WWDC24 Apple presented Apple Intelligence as the set of artificial intelligence news that were going to change the way users used their devices. And iOS 18.1 is the gateway to all these features. But before we talk about them, remember that are only available in the United States and in English (US), So the rest of the countries in the world will have to wait for time to pass and for versions to continue arriving that expand all these functionalities.
iOS 18.1 has focused on four key pillars:
- writing tools: Wherever you are in iOS 18.1, you can invoke the writing tools that allow you to style a given text to give it a different tone to what you have written, it will allow you to summarize a text or correct a text you have written as well. It is an additional support to improve your writing and be more refined when working. Important summaries are also included within the Mail app.
- Siri Revamp: iOS 18.1 incorporates a Siri's new design which allows you to interact with it through voice or text. Functions such as indexing the Apple support database or the context management with which it stores the conversation data to refer to it throughout our conversation with it.
- Advanced searches and transcripts: Apple's AI also takes care of searching for photos through the Photos app using natural, familiar language. Continuing with the Photos app, you can also remove distractions, people or objects through the magic eraser tool. iOS 18.1 also incorporates a function that allows you to convert voice notes or calls into texts. They can then be summarized through the writing tools.
- Notification Summaries: iOS 18.1 is able to analyze, read and detect the priority among all the notifications we receive and they are displayed in order of priority in the notification center. In addition, it groups the notifications of an application and makes a summary of all of them to show it directly to the users.
There are many other more widespread features within iOS 18.1 centered around Apple Intelligence, but their usefulness can only be verified if used daily. Therefore, we recommend using and testing all of them so that each user can find their tips and tricks to make them useful. Remember that is only available for the following devices:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Pro A17
- Pro iPhone 15: Pro A17
- iPadPro: M1 and later
- iPad Air: M1 and later
- Macbook Air: M1 and later
- MacBook Pro: M1 and later
- iMacs: M1 and later
- Mac Mini: M1 and later
- Mac Studio: M1 Max and later
- MacPro: M2Ultra
News beyond AI
iOS 18.1 also includes other new features beyond Apple Intelligence, mainly focused on improving design aspects and incorporating interesting new features promised at WWDC24. One of them is the control center improvement, with its new design already presented in the official version of iOS 18, which includes in this new update new buttons for Wi-Fi, Measurements, Level, VPN and Satellite. We can also add shortcuts to open the control center directly and restore the original design of the control center. Mainly dedicated to restoring the design if we have made many changes and prefer to return to the original.
It is also incorporated A new way to access the front camera from the iPhone 16 through the camera control. On the other hand, it number the notifications on the lock screen. And it is allowed share music from Apple Music directly to TikTok, As we confirmed to you at the time in this articleThere are other less relevant functions:
- Apple allows you to modify the email address of your Apple Account (which is the main iCloud account).
- The iPhone's NFC is being opened to third-party developers who will be able to increase the functionality of the device to perform certain functions.
- Modifications are included in the Duplicate iPhone with Mac feature which is now enabled in iOS 18.1 drag and drop files. Please note that this feature, like many others, is not available in the European Union at the moment.
- The following are introduced New hearing features of AirPods Pro 2 also announced in the last keynote, along with a firmware update for these headphones.
The future put in iOS 18.2
There is no doubt that iOS 18.1 is one of major software updates this year 2024. Especially because of all the implications it has for Apple. However, now in Cupertino they have their sights set on the next version, iOS 18.2. Whose development has already begun with the Developer Beta 1 Released last week. In fact, a new developer beta is expected to be released weekly and the first beta within the public beta program will be released this week.
Apple's calendar is more than organized and is likely to iOS 18.2 will be officially released in December and iOS 18.3 will begin development that same month in preparation for its release in February. All of these updates will incorporate new Apple Intelligence features and we hope that in the future we will be able to enjoy all of them in more countries, including those countries in the European Union whose main Apple Intelligence features are prohibited by their laws.