Apple has finally rolled out the much awaited updates for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, tvOS 18.1, visionOS 2.1, and watchOS 11.1. These updates are particularly focused on introducing a suite of AI features branded as “Apple Intelligence.”
Apple Intelligence Features
Here are Apple intelligence features at a glance:
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Writing Tools
The writing tool suggests different versions of your text, allowing you to choose the most appropriate phrasing and flow.
Proofread suggestions for grammar corrections and language refinements.
The Summarize feature generates high-quality summaries of selected text, making it easier to condense information.
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Siri Enhancements
Siri now has a glowing light around the screen edge and animations that respond to your voice.
Now you can double-tap at the bottom of the screen to type requests.
Siri can follow along even if you stumble over your words or change your mind mid-sentence.
Siri can maintain context throughout a session, allowing for more natural interactions.
Siri can answer thousands of questions about Apple product features and settings.
Siri’s voice is now more natural, expressive, and clear.
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Photos Improvements
You can find photos and videos simply by describing what you’re looking for.
The Clean Up Tool removes distractions from your photos.
Now you can create movies from your photos by describing the story you want.
Besides the notification summaries provides a glance able summary of the most important notifications.
A new Focus mode that ensures urgent notifications get through while silencing distractions.
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Mail and Messages
In mails and messages, the Smart Replies feature offers suggested responses to messages.
The Priority Messages displays important messages at the top of your inbox.
Transcription Summaries provides summaries of audio and call recordings.
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Phone
Now you can record live calls and transcribe them in the Notes app, with an automatic announcement that the call is being recorded.
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Camera
Now you can quickly switch to the front TrueDepth Camera on the latest iPhone models.
Spatial Photo and Video Capture features are included for immersive photo and video experiences.
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AirPods Pro Features
Hearing Test provides scientifically validated hearing test results from the comfort of your home.
Hearing Aid offers personalized, clinical-grade assistance for sounds in your environment, as well as music, videos, and calls.
Hearing Protection helps minimize exposure to loud environmental noise.
These features require second-generation AirPods Pro with firmware version 7B19 or later. Availability may vary by country or region.
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Bug Fixes and Improvements
Podcasts – Fixes an issue where unplayed episodes were marked as played.
Photos – Addresses a problem with video playback at 4K 60fps stuttering when the device is warm.
Digital Car Keys – Resolves issues with passive entry unlocking or starting vehicles after restoring from a backup.
Restart Issues – Fixes unexpected restarts on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.
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Other Notable Updates
Control Center – New options to add individual connectivity controls and reset configurations.
RCS Business Messaging – Enables connecting with businesses over RCS (requires carrier support).
App Store Search – Improved natural language search capabilities.
Game Center – Friend invites can be sent directly from the Contacts app.
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Availability and Regional Limitations
While these features are available on devices with A17 Pro, A18, A18 Pro, or M1 chips or later, there are some regional limitations.
For example, users in the US can access the new Apple Intelligence features on all supported devices immediately.
However, in the European Union, these features are initially available only on macOS in US English, with availability for iPhone and iPad expected in April.
Additionally, watchOS and visionOS updates mainly include bug fixes and optimizations, as they don’t yet support Apple Intelligence. The tvOS update introduces a new “watchlist” view in the TV app, listing only the items you’ve added manually.
Apple has indicated that more Apple Intelligence features will roll out in December, including Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and visual intelligence, with additional features to follow later, such as Siri’s onscreen awareness.