Apple has introduced some exciting new features with the release of the iOS 18.1 developer beta, giving users a glimpse of what Apple Intelligence has to offer. Although Apple Intelligence was initially announced at the WWDC in June, it is now making its way into the hands of developers and beta testers.
However, there are some limitations to keep in mind when trying out these new features. Users with iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 chips can access Apple Intelligence features in beta, but only if their device language is set to U.S. English and the device region is also set to the U.S. Setting your device region to the U.S. is necessary, but it won’t change your App Store region. After adjusting these settings, users can join a waitlist to access Apple Intelligence features, but it may take some time for the necessary models to download, so not all features will be available immediately.
Among the new features enabled with the iOS 18.1 update is a new animation for Siri and the ability to use text prompts by double-tapping on the bottom bar. Additionally, users can utilize writing tools to proofread or rewrite text, with options to change the tone to “Friendly,” “Professional,” or “Concise.” Text can also be modified into different formats such as a list, summary, table, or key points.
The Mail app has also received some enhancements, including a summarization feature, priority email organization at the top of the inbox, and the ability to view one-line summaries of emails without opening them. Users can take advantage of smart replies to quickly respond to emails as well. Furthermore, the iOS 18.1 update introduces an Apple Intelligence-powered Focus Mode called “Reduce Interruptions,” which uses AI to display only essential notifications.
While these new features showcase the potential of Apple Intelligence, there are still some features in development, such as ChatGPT integration and Image Playground. Apple is working on fixing bugs related to these features, so users may have to wait a bit longer to fully test them out.
Overall, the iOS 18.1 developer beta offers a glimpse into the future of Apple Intelligence and the exciting possibilities it holds for enhancing user experience on Apple devices. As Apple continues to refine and expand these features, users can look forward to a more personalized and efficient digital experience.
