Apple has launched the developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing their first wave of AI features. These updates include an enhanced Siri that can keep context across multiple queries, smart reply and email summaries in Mail, and natural language search in Photos. According to 9to5Mac, other minor updates are also included. Bloomberg notes that a significant AI overhaul for Siri is expected to roll out by 2025.
To access these updates, users will need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or an iPad/Mac with an Apple Silicon chip. After installation, users must join a waitlist via the Settings menu and wait for access notification, as seen in a screenshot from @iSWUpdates on X.
Coinciding with the release of the 18.1 previews, Apple also launched a second public beta for iOS 18. This version includes features like RCS support on more carriers, new CarPlay wallpapers, and dark mode widgets available in light mode.
The iOS 18.1 installation process involves updating to the beta, then joining a waitlist with both the device and Siri language set to US English. Apple first showcased these AI features at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, and the public iOS 18 beta was released on July 15th.
Releasing these follow-up betas ahead of the initial version's public launch, expected with the iPhone 16 this fall, allows Apple to refine these features and address any issues before the official rollout.
