Apple has released the first beta versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 to developers. These new updates introduce an early iteration of Apple Intelligence features, which are now available for testing alongside the existing iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15 betas.
Developers have the option to test these new features or remain on the standard beta track. To access Apple Intelligence, devices must be either an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an Apple silicon-powered iPad or Mac.
Apple Intelligence can be enabled through the Settings app after updating. Developers must join an Apple Intelligence Waitlist, but access is typically granted within a few hours.
The new features include Writing Tools, a redesigned Siri interface, enhanced mail and messaging functionalities, and various improvements in Photos and search capabilities. These tools aim to enhance productivity and interaction by integrating advanced text and voice processing capabilities.
The Writing Tools feature offers text rewriting, spellchecking, grammar checking, and summarizing in several apps such as Messages, Notes, Mail, and Pages. Siri’s updated design includes a visual glow when activated, and users can now type commands to Siri as an alternative to speaking. Siri also offers improved contextual awareness, helping users with better follow-up on requests and support queries.
Mail and Messages now feature smart replies and message summaries, while the Photos app introduces natural language search and slide show creation through Memories. The Reduce Interruptions Focus mode allows users to filter notifications and prioritize important ones, like ride arrivals.
Although some features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integration are not yet available, they are expected to be introduced in future updates.
Currently, the Apple Intelligence features are available only in the developer beta, with no confirmation yet on a public beta for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1. Apple plans to release these features in a beta capacity later in the fall, and they will not be immediately available with the September launch of the new software updates. Developers should note that Apple Intelligence is still in its early stages of development.
