Apple unveils iOS 18.1 developer beta

Apple has launched the developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing the company's initial set of AI features. Among the new Apple Intelligence features in the beta are a redesigned Siri that can retain context across multiple interactions, smart reply and email summary features in Mail, natural language search capabilities in Photos, and other adjustments, as reported by 9to5Mac. Bloomberg has noted that some features, such as a major AI upgrade for Siri, will be released later, potentially extending into 2025.

To install these updates, users will need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or an iPad or Mac with an Apple Silicon chip. After installation, users must join a waitlist from their device's Settings menu and wait for a notification indicating they can access the new features, as shown in a screenshot from @iSWUpdates on X.

Alongside the initial 18.1 previews released on Monday, 9to5Mac also reported that Apple launched a second public beta for iOS 18, which includes features from a recent developer beta such as RCS support on additional carriers, new CarPlay wallpapers, and dark mode widgets that can be used in light mode.

The iOS 18.1 update notification informs developers that they need to join a waitlist after updating, with device and Siri language set to US English, before gaining access to Apple Intelligence features. Apple first revealed the upcoming AI features for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June and released the public iOS 18 beta on July 15th.

Typically, Apple does not release betas for subsequent software updates before the public launch of the initial version, which is expected to coincide with the iPhone 16 release this fall. However, by splitting the AI updates into an 18.1 update and beginning testing with developers now, Apple aims to address bugs and refine features before they are widely available, minimizing any impact on the launch of new devices with iOS and iPadOS 18.

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