Apple has made a significant move towards the integration of its AI suite, Apple Intelligence, with the release of the iOS 18.1 developer beta. Initially introduced at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, the first set of beta versions did not include any Apple Intelligence features. However, with the latest release, users are finally able to explore some of the capabilities of Apple Intelligence.
It is important to note that the rollout of Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 is currently limited. As stated in Apple’s news release in June, users with iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 would eventually be able to access Apple Intelligence features in beta, provided their device language is set to U.S. English. However, user feedback and testing have revealed that setting the device region to the U.S. is also necessary for accessing these features. This does not change the App Store region, but it is a requirement for utilizing Apple Intelligence.
To activate the Apple Intelligence features after adjusting the region and language settings, users must navigate to the Apple Intelligence & Siri menu under settings and tap on “join waitlist.” Once accepted from the waitlist, users will receive a notification enabling them to access Apple Intelligence features. It is worth noting that it may take some time for the device to download the necessary AI models, so not all features will be immediately available.
The current roll out of Apple Intelligence includes a range of features designed to enhance user experience. One notable addition is a new animation for Siri, which adds a visually engaging element to interactions with the virtual assistant. Additionally, users can now utilize Siri through text prompts by double-tapping on the bottom bar.
Apple has also introduced writing tools that offer various options for proofreading and rewriting text, allowing users to tailor their writing to a specific tone. The “Friendly,” “Professional,” and “Concise” options enable users to modify the tone of their text, while the ability to transform text into a list, summary, table, or key points provides further versatility.
In terms of email management, the Mail app now features a summarization function, enabling users to quickly grasp the main points of an email without needing to open it fully. Priority emails are also displayed at the top of the inbox, ensuring that important communications are easily accessible. Furthermore, users can take advantage of the smart replies feature to promptly respond to emails, streamlining the communication process.
One of the standout additions in the iOS 18.1 update is the Apple Intelligence-powered Focus Mode, named “Reduce Interruptions.” This feature utilizes AI algorithms to identify and prioritize essential notifications, allowing users to stay focused on the task at hand without unnecessary distractions.
However, it is worth mentioning that the Apple Intelligence suite still has some notable omissions. Features such as ChatGPT integration and Image Playground are yet to be fully implemented. Bloomberg’s reporting suggests that Apple is currently ironing out bugs and making improvements to these features, indicating that users will have to wait a little longer before testing them.
In conclusion, Apple’s integration of Apple Intelligence into iOS 18.1 marks a significant step forward in the company’s AI capabilities. The inclusion of new features and enhancements, such as Siri animations, writing tools, email summarization, and the Focus Mode, showcases Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through AI technology. While some features are still in development, the initial roll out provides a promising glimpse into the potential of Apple Intelligence.