Apple released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer betas in the early morning. The most eye-catching is the first-ever generative AI feature, which is currently limited to the United States and only supports iPhone 15 Pro and Pro. Max model. This update includes Siri’s new design, smart email functions, natural language search in the photo app, and the much-anticipated phone recording function. The recording content will be automatically transcribed into text and saved to memos. It also takes into account user privacy protection and will be recorded during the call. to prompt that the other party is recording. In addition, Apple also released iOS 18 public beta version 2 and iOS system updates for older models, demonstrating Apple’s comprehensive care for different user groups.
Early this morning, Apple released the developer beta versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, allowing users to experience Apple’s generative AI capabilities for the first time. Currently, this feature is only available in the United States, and the Chinese version of iPhone cannot be activated for the time being.
Major updates:
Siri new design: Siri not only has a new interface, but also maintains contextual coherence across multiple requests.
Email smart functions: Added smart reply and email summary functions.
Natural language search for photo apps: Through natural language processing, users can search for photos more intuitively.
Phone recording function
Although this feature is nothing new in the Android camp, it is undoubtedly a major breakthrough for Apple users. It is worth mentioning that this feature is currently limited to the two flagship models iPhone15Pro and Pro Max. Users only need to tap the call recording button in the upper left corner of the dialing interface to start recording. The system will automatically save the recording to the memo and create a special folder. What’s even more considerate is that it can also convert the call content into text for users to review later.
Apple also fully considered privacy protection when designing this feature. When the user turns on recording, the other party on the call will receive clear voice prompts. This transparent processing method not only protects user privacy, but also avoids unnecessary misunderstandings, and reflects Apple's consistent humanized design philosophy.
According to Bloomberg, Apple’s ambitions go far beyond that. The company may gradually launch more smart features in 2025, including large-scale AI upgrades to Siri, which undoubtedly makes people look forward to Apple's future AI layout.
In addition to iOS 18.1 Beta 1, Apple also released iOS 18 public beta 2. The update covers WIFI calls, new CarPlay wallpapers, and adjustments to multiple setting options. Especially for iPhone15 users, the small and exquisite function of flashlight animation has been added.
Of course, Apple has not forgotten users of older models. The company simultaneously released the iOS 16.7.9 official version update for iPhone Comprehensive care for user groups.
Update conditions
Currently, only iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max and iPad or Mac equipped with Apple chips support updating the iOS 18.1 Beta version. After installation, users need to join the waiting list from the device settings menu and wait for notifications.
In fact, as early as June this year, Apple announced for the first time at the Worldwide Developers Conference the AI functions that would be coming to iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and released the public beta version of iOS 18 on July 15.
Apple typically doesn't release beta versions of subsequent software updates before the initial version is released to the public, and splitting the AI update into version 18.1 and starting testing with developers may help the company eliminate the need for these features before they are widely rolled out. bug and test functionality without impacting the release of iPhone and iPad as they begin shipping with iOS and iPadOS 18.
All in all, Apple’s update not only brings the much-anticipated AI features, but also reflects its emphasis on user experience and privacy protection, as well as its comprehensive consideration of users of different models. Apple’s future layout in the AI field is worth looking forward to.