While Apple promised new AI upgrades for Siri and ChatGPT integrations during WWDC, these won’t be available for the initial launch of iOS 18 and new iPhone 16 devices, but 18.1 in October.
The first ‘Apple Intelligence’ iPhone features are available to test on the iPhone, iPad and Mac in early developer previews, including a freshly designed Siri, new mail features and more.
Bloomberg reports that Apple typically doesn’t release betas for follow-up updates before the initial version’s public release.
However, with the early rollout of iOS 18.1, developers can test and debug the new AI features before they become widely available across other platforms like Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV.
Not all AI features previewed at WWDC will be available immediately, with some, like an enhanced Siri capable of in-app actions and onscreen awareness, expected by Spring 2025.
Apple has launched the developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing the company’s first set of AI features. These include an upgraded Siri that can maintain context over multiple requests, smart replies in Mail, and natural language search in Photos. While some features will be gradually rolled out until 2025, you can get early access with an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or Apple Silicon devices.
How to Install iOS 18.1 Beta
While some features will roll out gradually until 2025, the initial updates require an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or Apple Silicon devices. You must also have an active developer account with the App Store and sign up for the AI feature in the iOS settings.
To install these updates, join a waitlist in the Settings menu and wait for the notification.
Apple also released the second public beta for iOS 18, featuring RCS support, new CarPlay wallpapers, and dark mode widgets in light mode.
“iOS 18.1 beta is an early preview of an update to iOS 18 that will be available later this fall. This beta introduces an initial set of features powered by Apple Intelligence,” reads iOS 18.1 beta release notes
Rolling Out iOS 18 and iOS 18.1
Apple usually doesn’t release betas for follow-up software updates before the public launch of the initial version, expected with the iPhone 16 this fall.
Apple initially released the public iOS 18 beta on July 15th, shortly after teasing its AI features at this years’ Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
However, by releasing iOS 18.1 early for developers, Apple aims to identify and fix bugs and test new AI features ahead of the expected launch of the iPhone 16 in September.
This strategy allows for thorough testing without impacting the initial launch of devices with iOS and iPadOS 18 for the average consumer.
AI Upgrades: What You Can Expect
At the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Apple unveiled its first AI features, including an upgraded Siri, AI-powered image generation, and integration with ChatGPT. While these features might not be available on the iPhone 16 at launch, Apple plans to roll them out later. New devices can be updated in-store using Apple’s Presto machine.
Siri has been reported to be able to perform actions within apps and gain overall onscreen awareness beyond simple voice commands. But this update in particular doesn’t seem to be on the horizon until Spring 2025 at the earliest.
Apple reportedly plans on launching Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.1 in October.
Apple has long been champions for security and privacy.
Elon Musk, owner of X, has threatened to ban Apple devices from his companies if Apple integrates OpenAI’s ChatGPT into iPhone, iPad, and Mac operating systems.
Notably, Siri will be powered by GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest iteration of ChatGPT. With over 100 million users, however, it would seem the vast majority of users are not worried about ChatGPT being a security concern.
The Impact of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is a huge step for the company, bringing some of the most significant changes to its software in years. It’s the first time many users will experience generative AI technologies.
Getting the delivery and rollout right is key to making sure millions of users not only access Apple Intelligence, but also enjoy using it. This means smooth integration and user-friendly features will be crucial for its success.
Some Wall Street analysts believe Apple Intelligence will be a significant benefit for the company. They predict that the new technology will drive increased iPhone sales, leading to a higher rate of upgrades among users.
This prediction makes sense, considering iOS 18 and 18.1 is only compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Many out there will need to upgrade if they want to experience the first major softgrade upgrade Apple’s had in years.
Timing is everything, however, and some argue many consumers are simply ready to upgrade the phones they purchased around the onset of the pandemic, and pent-up demand will drive sales, not Apple Intelligence, in the year ahead. Perhaps now, it is simply worth it to upgrade.
Final Thoughts on iOS 18.1 Beta
Right now, if you’re a developer with a compatible device, you can join the waitlist for iOS 18.1 and be a part of testing and implementing Apple Intelligence for the first wave of users this Fall.
Apple is undergoing a slow rollout to minimize hiccups. By releasing a second beta round before the public launch, the are ensuring a smoother launch to consumers in terms of usability.
We may have to wait until the spring of 2025 to see an “aware” Siri that can perform in-app functions, but we think Apple has a sound launch strategy so far.
What do you think about iOS 18.1? Let us know in the comments below.
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