Apple is all set to release its new iOS 18.1 which will include the long-awaited AI feature and several security fixes for iPhones running on the previous version.
CEO Tim Cook has touted Apple Intelligence as “a new chapter of innovation,” focusing on “generative” AI models that allow users to create text or images from prompts.
The system will have the ability to create ‘Genmojis’, new emoji characters based on texting in iMessage, edit photos, and include a revamped Siri with better conversation skills.
The new iOS 18 system will hit smartphones at 1 pm ET, but only the iPhone 16 family and 15 high-end devices support Apple Intelligence.
There is also a waiting list for the AI feature and users can claim their spot after downloading the update.
“It is currently estimated that Apple Intelligence will be available for activation within hours of joining the waitlist, although wait times may vary,” according to Apple.
The new iOS 18.1 is said to include vulnerability and bug fixes for issues like unexpected reboots or an issue with Podcasts showing unplayed episodes as already played.
To install iOS 18.1, open the Settings app. Then navigate to General and tap Software Update.
Apple’s iOS 18.1 update was released today and some iPhone users will get their first taste of the new Apple Intelligence features
It will take a couple of seconds for your phone to check for new updates and if the update is available, you should see it on your screen.
Then tap Install now. If you see Download and install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your password, and then tap Install now.
Once iOS 18 is installed, you will need to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist.
To do this, go to Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, then tap Join Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
You’ll receive a notification when Apple Intelligence is ready to activate on your iPhone. Once activated, the AI features will begin downloading.
These include smart writing tools that can help you proofread, rewrite, and summarize text anywhere you can type words, like Mail, Notes, Messages, and other apps.
The proofreading feature suggests better words to use and corrects grammatical errors.
With rewriting skills, you can make your text sound more friendly, concise, or professional.
After installing iOS 18.1, people with an iPhone 16, 15 Pro, or 15 Pro Max can get on the Apple Intelligence waitlist
And Summarize allows Apple Intelligence to read your text and produce a brief summary of the main points.
The Photos app will also receive a new Cleanup feature that will allow you to quickly delete any unwanted objects from a photo.
For example, if a person appears in the background of your selfie, you can remove the photobomb simply by tapping on them.
The update says goodbye to mindless searches in the Photos app by allowing users to enter keywords to find specific images, such as ‘Mom in front of the Eiffel Tower’.
You can also create a custom Memories Movie in Photos with Apple Intelligence.
To do so, simply enter a description and the AI will find the best matching photos and videos, then organize them into a movie with its own narrative arc.
The launch version of Apple Intelligence will also include productivity features. AI can summarize notifications from multiple apps, including Messages, Mail, and more. It will also prioritize notifications that need your immediate attention.
The new Reduce Interruptions Focus feature lets your iPhone intelligently inform you about important notifications and silence unimportant ones.
And the Mail app will have a priority messages feature that ranks important emails at the top of your inbox.
Siri will receive a large number of updates. In addition to the eye-catching new interface, the digital assistant will be equipped with a new level of intelligence and capabilities to help you perform tasks for you.
The bot will have new product knowledge that will allow it to answer questions about your device’s features and settings. You can even ask for help while you learn to do something new on your iPhone, and Siri will give you instructions.
It will also be easier to communicate with Siri thanks to a more natural voice and the ability to type requests to the bot instead of relying solely on voice activation.
Siri will also be able to remember requests you’ve made in the past and use them to inform responses to new requests.
These are just a few of the full suite of Apple Intelligence features that will eventually come to iPhones.
Most of the features that have made headlines since Apple first announced AI in June have still been in development for months, and some are scheduled to roll out in 2025.