Apple has launched its first big AI update for iPhones, introducing a number of features called Apple Intelligence.
The iOS 18.1 update, which came out on Monday, is currently available for English-speaking users outside the European Union. It includes several new features designed to enhance user experience and productivity. One of the most noticeable changes is the improved Siri, which now has a more natural voice and a new visual interface. When activated, Siri creates a glowing effect around the edges of the iPhone screen.
Apple Intelligence also introduced a new feature called Writing Tools, which can help you proofread and rewrite your text in different styles like “friendly” and “professional.” According to Apple, users will be able to use this tool throughout the operating system, even in apps that aren’t made by Apple. Just keep in mind that it won’t create entire paragraphs on its own—you’ll need to provide some input for that.
The company also noted that one of the standout features of the iOS 18.1 is the AI-powered notification summary. Instead of showing a long list of individual alerts, it now combines them into a single, easy-to-read message. Additionally, the Photos app can now understand natural language when you search for your images. Plus, users can create short movies from their photo collections using AI, which makes it super fun and simple!
While these features are now available, some advanced functions are still in the pipeline. iOS 18.2, which is expected to drop in December, will bring cool additions like ChatGPT integration, image generation tools, and fun features such as Genmoji and Visual Intelligence. Just a heads up: Apple Intelligence will only work with certain devices. For iPhones, that means the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all the models in the iPhone 16 series. You can also use it on M-series iPads, Macs, and the iPad mini.
European Union users, however, will have to wait considerably longer for these features. Apple has announced that EU iPhone and iPad users won’t receive Apple Intelligence until April 2025, citing the Digital Markets Act as the reason for the delay. Interestingly, EU users can access these features on macOS Sequoia 15.1, as the regulations only affect iOS and iPadOS.
According to Engadget, apple plans to expand language support in April, adding Chinese, Korean, French, Japanese, and several other languages. In December, the company will roll out support for English variants in countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK.
