Apple has released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer betas, offering a preview of the company’s first set of AI features dubbed “Apple Intelligence.”
Key features in the beta: The update introduces several AI-powered enhancements across various apps and services:
- Siri receives an updated design and gains the ability to maintain context across multiple requests.
- Mail app gets smart reply and email summary features.
- Photos app introduces natural language search capabilities.
Availability and requirements: To access the Apple Intelligence features, users must meet specific device requirements and join a waitlist:
- Compatible devices include iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, and iPads and Macs with an Apple Silicon chip.
- After installing the update, users need to join a waitlist from the Settings menu and wait for a notification confirming access to the features.
Staggered rollout and testing: Apple is taking a cautious approach to introducing its AI features, with plans to release some aspects, like Siri’s larger AI overhaul, later in 2025:
- Splitting the AI updates into an iOS 18.1 update allows Apple to test features and fix bugs before a wider release, without impacting the launch of new iPhones and iPads shipping with iOS and iPadOS 18.
- Typically, Apple does not release betas for follow-up software updates before the public launch of the initial version.
Concurrent updates: Alongside the iOS 18.1 developer beta, Apple also released the second public beta for iOS 18, which includes:
- RCS support on more carriers
- New CarPlay wallpapers
- The ability to use dark mode widgets in light mode
Analyzing deeper: While Apple’s gradual rollout of AI features demonstrates a measured approach to integrating artificial intelligence into its ecosystem, it also highlights the company’s cautious stance compared to competitors like Google and Microsoft, who have been quicker to introduce AI-powered tools. As Apple continues to refine and expand its Apple Intelligence offerings, it will be crucial to strike a balance between innovation and ensuring a stable, polished user experience across its devices and services.
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