Many iPhone users have October 28 marked on their calendars. That’s when the long-awaited stable iOS 18.1 update with the first Apple Intelligence features will be available. In the meantime, the company has been sending out betas so developers can tinker with the system. Now, Apple is sending out iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 developer beta 6 to eligible devices.
Apple rolling out iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 developer beta 6
iOS 18.1 Beta 5 arrived a couple of weeks ago for all eligible Apple devices. Given the stable version rollout schedule, it’s possible that the new beta 6 update will be the last for iOS 18.1. Apple has been working on polishing the OS so that everything is ready for the expected October 28 rollout.
To install iOS 18.1 beta 6, you must have an eligible device and enroll in the beta program (if you haven’t already). Remember that only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro models support Apple Intelligence features. That said, you can check the firmware’s availability under Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple Intelligence features available
Previous iOS 18.1 betas already included the first Apple Intelligence features. Subsequent updates focused on fixing bugs and improving the overall stability of the OS. Users of devices that support Apple Intelligence will enjoy features like AI-powered writing tools. The latter improves spelling/grammar correction and adds options like rewriting with different tones and text summaries.
Siri is now smarter thanks to Apple Intelligence, too. The assistant boasts a better understanding of natural language and context and can even keep up with you if you stumble when speaking. The Safari browser got some AI love via the article summary feature, as well as a new focus mode.
Other native apps, like Messages and Mail, integrate Apple Intelligence capabilities in their own way. In Mail, you’ll get a “Summarize” button at the top of every email, which is especially useful for long ones. The Mail app now intelligently places time-sensitive messages at the top of your inbox. Apple’s AI suite also enables summaries and transcription of audio recordings. The new Smart Replies features are available in both Messages and Mail.
Apple Photos’ new Memory Movie option uses the power of AI to generate prompt-based slideshows with your photos. You can say what kind of photos you want in the slideshow and even decide its “mood.” The update also offers a phone call transcription option.
Not all AI features will be available this year
It’s notable that several Apple Intelligence features won’t arrive until next year. Additionally, as Apple adjusts to EU regulations, users in Europe won’t have access to Apple Intelligence for the time being. So, the new iPhone 16 series loses much of its appeal in those regions.
