Introduction

Apple has planned to launch the next updated model IOS 18.1, which will incorporate initial Apple intelligent functions. These AI-bound features were first introduced at this year’s WWDC and then during the unveiling of the iPhone 16. With Apple’s competitors like Google and Meta ramping up their generative AI efforts, iOS 18.1 is set to be a major step for Apple in that space​

Expected Release Date

The same version is expected to be released to the public in October 28th, 2024, as iOS 18.1. It will also come out as iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 to support the new AI throughout iPhones, iPads, and Macs. In the beginning, the company had signaled that the event would take place in mid-October; however, it appears that the later date helps to refine the business by eliminating kinks and improving server efficiency — sources such as Mark Gurman from Bloomberg say so.

Key Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 18.1

The features in this release represent Apple’s first foray into AI-driven utilities integrated directly into their operating systems. Here’s what users can expect in iOS 18.1:

• Writing Tools: A new text editor that helps summarize content and correct grammar in apps like Mail and Pages.
• Memories for Photos: This tool automatically compiles photos into albums and generates quick video montages.
• Clean-Up Mode: Removes unwanted objects from the background of images within the Photos app.
• Smart Notifications: Improves notification summaries by prioritizing relevant messages and emails​

Future AI Rollouts and Updates

While iOS 18.1 introduces the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, more advanced tools will be released incrementally:

• iOS 18.2 (December 2024): Expected to bring Genmoji avatars customizable, AI-generated emojis and ChatGPT-powered interactions.
• iOS 18.3 or 18.4 (Early 2025): A complete overhaul of Siri, making it a fully conversational assistant using generative AI​

Supported Devices for Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence will only be available on devices with A17 Pro chips or newer and M1 chips or later. Here’s a quick list of compatible devices:

• iPhones: iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models
• iPads: iPad Mini (2024), iPad Air, and iPad Pro with M1 chips
• Macs: All M1, M2, and future M-series Mac devices​

Conclusion

The new version of iOS, version 18.1, released on October 28, will pave the way for Apple’s development of AI throughout its products. Although this update gives a glimpse of what Apple Intelligence can mean, the whole set of features will be available only with further updates up to 2025. Users who want to explore these features early can use Apple’s public beta program to test them on supported devices. I’m eager to see how Apple’s AI integration enhances user experience. Will Apple’s AI compete with Google and Meta? What features would you like to see next? Share your thoughts!

Read Also: iOS 18: 3 Reasons to Update, 1 to Wait