The long-awaited iOS 18.1 will be released on October 28, 2024. The update not only brings minor improvements but also some of the first features of Apple Intelligence - a new form of artificial intelligence that is intended to revolutionize the iPhone experience. Particularly interesting are the new writing tools, a revised Siri user interface and optimized notifications.
According to a report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple plans to release iOS 18.1 to the public on October 28, 2024. The update will bring some of the first Apple Intelligence features to US users. Previously, a mid-October launch was expected but the company has pushed back the date to ensure the update is released without major issues and their cloud infrastructure is prepared for the expected onslaught.
reason for the delay
Although Apple had originally planned to release iOS 18.1 earlier in October, the company has decided to push the date back. The reason, according to Gurman, is because Apple wants to ensure the update is bug-free and the company's cloud data centers are prepared to handle the traffic from the millions of users who will install the update after release. This is especially important because the update brings some new, data-intensive features.
What does iOS 18.1 bring?
The update includes a number of new features specifically designed for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and iPads and Macs with M1 chip or newer. Here is an overview of the most important new features:
- writing tools
- New Siri user interface (but the real new experience will be available later)
- notification summaries
- Storage creation in Photos
- Clean Up in Photos
- Smart Notifications
Introduction of Apple Intelligence
The biggest step in iOS 18.1 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This feature is based on advanced artificial intelligence and is designed to improve the user experience by adapting to usage and giving users personalized recommendations and suggestions. Apple has already announced that this feature will be further expanded over the coming months. The introduction of Apple Intelligence will take place in several phases:
- October 2024: iOS 18.1 is released with the first Apple Intelligence features.
- December 2024: iOS 18.2 is expected to follow, bringing new features such as ChatGPT support, Genmoji (a new personalized emoji feature), and Image Playground (an AI-based image editing feature).
- Spring 2025: iOS 18.3 or iOS 18.4 will introduce the completely redesigned Siri, which will enable even more intelligent and responsive interactions.
All Apple Intelligence features should be fully available by the launch of the new iPhone SE 4 in early 2025.
- As a reminder: Due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the use of Apple Intelligence is currently blocked on iPhones and iPads in the EU. Apple has therefore imposed a geo-block to comply with the law. Interestingly, however, the feature is already available in the developer beta of macOS Sequoia 15.1 (as long as the language is switched to English), as macOS is not considered a gatekeeper platform. Apple is currently in talks with the European Commission to find a solution that could also enable the use of Apple Intelligence on mobile devices in the EU. If an agreement is reached, the new features could be available sooner than previously expected.
Apple Reportedly Plans iOS 18.1 Release with Apple Intelligence on October 28th
iOS 18.1 is an important step in the development of the iPhone operating system, especially with regard to the integration of artificial intelligence. While the update brings some useful features such as the new writing tools, the redesigned Siri interface and the improved notifications, the full scope of Apple Intelligence will only become visible with the upcoming updates over the course of next year. (Image: Apple)
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