iOS 18.1 beta is in distribution with first Apple Intelligence features

Apple released beta versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 for developers. These versions allow users to experience Apple’s new artificial intelligence features.

Among the innovations that come with iOS 18.1 beta, Siri’s updated design and its ability to maintain context covering multiple requests stand out. In the Mail application, new features such as smart reply and e-mail summaries attract attention. Natural language search capability in the Photos app is also included in this version.

According to Bloomberg, larger-scale artificial intelligence updates of Siri will be gradually offered to users by 2025.

In order to install these updates, you must have an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. For iPad and Mac users, a device with an Apple Silicon chip is needed. Once the updates are installed, users must join a waitlist from their device’s Settings menu and wait until they receive an access notification.

According to the screenshot shared by user X named iSWUpdates, this process requires users to be patient.

Second public beta release for iOS 18

Along with the iOS 18.1 beta, Apple also released the second public beta of iOS 18. This release includes some features previously seen in the developer beta. While RCS support is supported by more operators, new CarPlay wallpapers and widgets that can be used in dark mode are also included in this update.

Apple announced the future artificial intelligence features for iPhone, iPad and Mac for the first time at the World Developers Conference held in June. The first public beta version of iOS 18 was offered to users on July 15.

Apple is known to generally not release beta versions of subsequent software updates before the public launch of the first version. However, this time, separating the artificial intelligence updates in iOS 18.1 and starting to test them with developers is considered an important step in terms of fixing bugs and testing these features before they are offered to a wider audience.

While the new iPhone 16 is expected to be released this fall, these updates for devices that will be shipped with iOS and iPadOS 18 installed aim to offer users a more seamless and efficient experience. During this process, feedback from developers is of great importance for Apple to perfect the final version.