Apple has introduced its initial set of Apple Intelligence features as part of the iOS 18.1 developer beta, now available for testing. This rollout also includes betas for iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, marking the company’s first foray into artificial intelligence on these platforms.
While this release is limited to developers for testing purposes, it provides an early preview of Apple’s AI capabilities, ahead of the full release anticipated later.
How to Access Apple Intelligence Features
Developers looking to explore these new features must have an Apple developer account. The process involves updating to the latest beta software versions and accessing a new Apple Intelligence option within the device settings. Users must join a waitlist to gain access, typically granted within a few hours.
However, this requires specific hardware:
- iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max: Necessary for accessing the iOS 18.1 beta.
- Apple Silicon Chips: Required for iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1.
Additionally, both the device and Siri’s language settings must be set to US English. Apple recommends backing up devices before installation, as the software may still contain bugs or instability.
Current Apple Intelligence Features
Once access is granted, users will receive a notification and can start using the new Apple Intelligence features. These include tools for text-related tasks such as proofreading, rewriting, and summarizing content.
The Photos app has been redesigned to include a feature for creating Memories, and the Phone app now supports live call transcription, as well as audio transcription in the Notes app, with Apple Intelligence providing summaries of these transcriptions.
According to 9to5Mac, the Siri assistant has also received updates, featuring a new design with glowing borders. Siri can now maintain context across multiple requests, understand commands despite interruptions or stutters, and offers new functionalities such as typing to the assistant. Additionally, the Mail app includes smart reply features and email summaries, while the Photos app benefits from a new natural language search capability.
Features Yet to be Released
Several anticipated features are not yet available in this beta. These include Genmoji, a creative feature called Image Playground, integration with ChatGPT, Cleanup in Photos, and more advanced personal context and in-app actions for Siri.
According to sources like Bloomberg, Apple plans to introduce these features gradually, with some, like the more extensive AI overhaul for Siri, expected to roll out into 2025.
Simultaneously, Apple released a second public beta for iOS 18, which includes features seen in earlier developer betas. These additions include RCS support on more carriers, a new set of CarPlay wallpapers, and the ability to use dark mode widgets while in light mode. These updates follow Apple’s announcement of upcoming AI features during its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with the public iOS 18 beta having been released on July 15th.
Apple’s approach of releasing developer betas ahead of the public launch aims to refine these new features and address any bugs before they are made widely available. This strategy helps ensure a smoother experience once the full general release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia occurs later this year, with Apple Intelligence features continuing to be rolled out throughout 2024.
Featured Image courtesy of DonanimHaber
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