Apple has rolled out the fourth developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, focusing on further testing Apple Intelligence features. These betas follow the third round, which was released two weeks earlier.
Apple has also provided developers with the first beta versions of watchOS 11.1, visionOS 2.1, and tvOS 18.1, broadening the testing scope across its ecosystem of devices. These updates are now available for all compatible devices, not just those originally supporting Apple Intelligence.
Previously, Apple Intelligence was limited to specific hardware, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16, as well as Macs and iPads with Apple silicon. However, the latest updates extend compatibility to all devices running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15.
Despite this, certain advanced features, such as Writing Tools for grammar and text editing, still require these higher-end devices. These tools aim to improve text handling by offering grammar correction, tone adjustments, and the ability to summarize written content.
Siri has been enhanced with a redesigned interface that includes a glowing effect around the display. In addition, users can now type their requests to Siri instead of speaking them, adding convenience for different scenarios.
Siri has improved context awareness, allowing it to handle interruptions and continue conversations across multiple requests. Safari has gained a new feature for summarizing articles, and a “Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode” helps minimize distractions during work.
Messages and Mail have also seen improvements, with smart replies becoming available in both apps. The Mail app now prioritizes time-sensitive emails, moving them to the top of the inbox.
The Photos app introduces a “Memory Movie” feature that creates slideshow videos based on text descriptions. Moreover, users can now record phone calls, which can be transcribed and summarized, extending this functionality to other audio recordings as well.
While many Apple Intelligence features are being tested in these betas, some, such as Image Playground and Genmoji, have yet to be implemented. Apple has intentionally separated Apple Intelligence features from the initial launch of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, planning a wider release for these features in October following the developer testing period.
