iOS 18.1: Key features, release date, and what to expect

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Apple Intelligence Integration: New AI-powered tools enhance writing, photo searches, and Siri functionality.
2. NFC Access for Developers: iPhone’s NFC chip is now open to third-party apps, expanding contactless features.
3. Release Timeline: Expected October 2024, iOS 18.1 brings new features following iOS 18.0’s September launch.

Overview of iOS 18.1

Apple is working on iOS 18.1, an update set to bring significant new features to iPhones. Currently, in beta testing, iOS 18.1 introduces enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, a new design for Siri, and the opening of the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party developers. This update is expected to be released in October 2024, following the launch of iOS 18.0 in September.

Apple Intelligence Features

One of the main highlights of iOS 18.1 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-driven tools designed to make your iPhone smarter and more intuitive. Announced earlier this year, Apple Intelligence includes features that help with writing, photo organization, and improved Siri responses.

• Writing Tools: These tools allow users to easily rewrite, proofread, summarize, and organize text. Options include making text more concise or adjusting the tone to be more friendly or professional.
• Reduce Interruptions: This new Focus mode uses AI to prioritize notifications. Only urgent alerts, like an early daycare pickup message, will get through, while less critical notifications will be silenced.
• Photos App Enhancements: iOS 18.1 lets you create memories by simply typing a description. Apple Intelligence will choose relevant photos and videos, organize them into themed chapters, and create a storyline with a unique narrative.
• Improved Siri: Siri’s new design features a glowing light around the screen’s edge, signaling its active state. Users can now switch between text and voice commands with a double tap, and Siri is better at maintaining context and handling mid-sentence changes.

NFC Chip Access for Developers

For the first time, Apple allows third-party developers to use the iPhone’s NFC chip. This opens the door for contactless features in apps, such as payments, car keys, and access badges. However, developers must enter a commercial agreement with Apple to use this feature, and specific details about fees are still pending. This functionality will initially be available in select countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Japan.

Mail App Upgrades

The Mail app in iOS 18.1 also benefits from Apple Intelligence. A new “Priority Messages” section highlights urgent emails, and a summary of each email is shown in the inbox view. Additionally, you can now summarize long emails with a tap and use Smart Reply suggestions for quick responses.

Transcription and Notification Summaries

Another feature powered by Apple Intelligence is the ability to generate summaries for audio recordings in the Notes app. When you record a phone call, the Phone app can now create a summary of the conversation. Notification summaries are also available, providing a quick recap of messages from apps like Mail or Messages.

Installing iOS 18.1 Beta

As of now, the iOS 18.1 beta is limited to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. These devices are currently the only ones supporting Apple Intelligence. A broader beta release is expected later, but for now, access is restricted to developers.

Release Date

iOS 18.1 is anticipated to be released in October 2024. Apple typically follows a pattern of releasing its “point-one” updates in late October, and iOS 18.1 is expected to continue this trend. As beta testing progresses, more features and refinements may be added, and this guide will be updated accordingly.