Apple has released public betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, so users can get a head start testing the software ahead of its stable rollout in October. The beta inspection gives some insight into what to expect with the next phase of new features and enhancements, mostly surrounding Apple’s attention to AI.
How to download the public beta
Users will need to enroll their devices in Apple’s beta testing program in order to receive the updates and these are available via the Settings app in the Software Update section under the Public Beta option. Before updating the beta, users should back up their devices as most of the releases may have bugs and instability of the software.
Apple Intelligence features: A preview of AI integration
The public beta introduces some of Apple’s new AI-powered features under the umbrella of “Apple Intelligence.” It has not yet released all AI functionalities, but the ones in use promise an improvement in writing assistance, Siri interaction, and task automation.
Writing tools
Among the features, one being really noticeable is the addition of the inclusion of Writing Tools, whereby you may select the text you intend to use and edit, with the help of AI-driven assistance, it makes it easy for writing tasks, including spell checking and correction of grammar, even rewriting into a tone or style suited for the desired result. The whole app integrates well across apps where text editing is provided.
Siri redesign and functionality
There has also been a huge update done to Siri, which flaunts a brand-new design, and it is ornamented with a subtle glow on the edges of its display. Apple also included the much-requested ‘Type to Siri’ feature, which allows users to type their requests instead of voicing them, making it more convenient in specific situations.c Also, Siri claims to have context awareness and could take more effective multistep requests more effectively, following on if users, or she stumbles over their words or another reason they’ve switched topics in mid-conversation.
Smart replies in Messages and Mail
Apple AI brings smart replies in Messages and Mail for easier messaging. This makes a response quicker using the context of the conversation. Apple improved the Mail app by bringing priority messages to the top of the inbox, making it easier to manage time-sensitive emails and streamline communication.
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Photos enhancements and Call recording
The “Photos” app under Memory Movie allows users to get a custom slideshow based on a text description. The feature leverages AI to select a batch of photos to compile into a movie that is closer to what you want it to be. In addition, Apple is bringing call recording and transcription to the iPhone — and for those using Apple Intelligence-enabled devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro or M-series Macs, call summaries, too.
Focus mode and Safari improvements
Apple introduced the all-new Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode to intelligently manage notifications. It intends to show only those deemed important by the system. In Safari, there’s a summary that gives concise overviews of articles; potentially useful for quick information gathering, more so now that it’s possible to do the same on your iOS devices.
What’s still missing?
While the public betas do add a lot of new functionalities to the mix, there are still some expected tools that haven’t arrived yet. Apple will release Image Playground, Genmoji, and further Siri-related improvements in later updates. These will hopefully enhance personalization and creativity all over Apple’s ecosystem, so look out for their arrival in future releases.
Device compatibility and availability
The beta introduces new features, but some devices cannot be supported for all its AI capabilities. For example, Apple Intelligence and many more require newer devices, for instance, iPhone 15 / Pro models, iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Pro models, and M-series Macs or iPads. Older models are accessible to the beta but with the limitation of some capability in AI features.
So, if you are interested in knowing the future of Apple’s software, this is a good time to join the waitlist and see just how you can be involved through Apple Intelligence.
If you’re not ready yet to test the public version, then that is okay, because all those things are coming in October when the regular version is released. Keep it locked-in for more sneak peeks and features as they happen.