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After three months of beta testing, Apple has officially released iOS 18.1. The global update, including support for Apple Intelligence with text tools, improvements to the Photos app, and more, is now available for download.
One of the main innovations of iOS 18.1 was the artificial intelligence (AI) functions of Apple Intelligence. They provide users with a number of tools that make it easier to work with text, photos, and notifications, such as Writing Tools, Reduce Interruptions, Photos.
The iOS 18.1 update is available for all iPhone models that support iOS 18. However, Apple Intelligence features are only available for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16. To install the update, go to Settings, select General, and tap Software Update. The build number of the new version is 22B83.
Writing Tools
One of the main features of iOS 18.1 is Text Tools. Users can easily edit, rewrite and optimize text in any application. Available commands include Rewrite, Review, Make Friendly, Make Professional, Shrink, Create List, and more. These tools can be accessed by highlighting the text and selecting the appropriate option from the menu. The Notes app also adds a dedicated button for quick access to these tools.
Reduce Interruptions
By using AI, the notification reduction feature sorts them by priority. For example, important messages, such as an early meeting notice or a change of plans, will be displayed immediately, while less important messages will be displayed later. Users can customize which apps and contacts to show notifications from.
Photos app
iOS 18.1 brought significant changes to the Photos app. There is a "Clean" function that allows you to remove unnecessary objects and people from the photo with one touch. In addition, Apple Intelligence can automatically detect items that can or should be deleted. The ability to create a personalized story based on the presented theme has also been added. In other words, the app analyzes text, images and videos and then creates a narrative movie. The search function for photos and videos has also been improved, allowing you to find specific moments in clips.
Siri voice assistant
Siri voice assistant has also received improvements. Now, when Siri is activated, a lighted ring appears along the edges of the screen. Added the ability to switch between voice and text input by double-tapping the Home indicator. Siri has begun to better understand context, pauses, and changes in requests. More advanced features like ChatGPT integration will come later in iOS 18.2.
Mail application
The Mail app in iOS 18.1 has a Priority Messages section that displays the most important messages. Users can also see a summary of each email directly in the message list, with a "Summary" command appearing within emails. Smart Answer provides quick answers and helps make sure you don't miss questions that need to be answered.
Notifications Summaries
Apple Intelligence automatically summarizes app notifications, providing a quick overview without opening each message. This feature works with all iPhone apps, when set up prompts the user to select apps for which you want to enable notification summarization.
Summary of audio recordings
iOS 18.1 introduces the long-awaited ability to summarize audio recordings in the Notes app. It is now possible to obtain summaries of recorded telephone conversations or notes. The summary is also available in the Phone app.
In addition to Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.1 includes a number of other interesting changes. In particular, the ability to switch to the front camera of the iPhone 16 through the control of the camera, new switches and the ability to refuse all settings appeared in the "Control Center", NFC support for third-party developers, call recording and transcription, and integration of TikTok with Apple Music.
