top of page
Writer's pictureRich Washburn

iOS 18.1: Apple Intelligence, Enhanced Siri, and More Game-Changing Updates

Updated: Oct 28


Apple has once again upped the ante in the mobile OS game with the release of iOS 18.1. Packed with powerful AI-driven features and a more immersive Siri experience, this latest update promises to make your iPhone feel fresher, smarter, and more user-friendly. So let’s dive into what’s new and exciting, and why this is one update you won’t want to miss.



The Crown Jewel


The major buzz around iOS 18.1 is all about Apple Intelligence. Introduced as a suite of features accessible primarily on the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models, Apple Intelligence is like your own virtual editor and personal assistant, now embedded right in your phone. While currently available only in the U.S., global users can still explore these features by setting their language to U.S. English.


Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools have revolutionized tasks like proofreading, summarizing, and even reformatting texts to suit different tones—friendly, professional, or concise. These tools are embedded throughout the OS, and can quickly summarize lengthy notes, highlight key points, and even suggest rewriting in real time.



Siri 2.0... "Preview"


Siri has undergone a visual overhaul and now showcases a new interactive display. A soft animation wraps around the screen when Siri is active, giving you visual feedback as you interact with it. The update includes Type-to-Siri, a text input option that lets you skip the “Hey Siri” trigger and simply double-tap to start typing commands directly. Context recognition has improved, making it a far better companion for rapid, nuanced questions like “What’s the next F1 race?” or “How do I adjust screen brightness?”


CarPlay also benefits from this new Siri animation. If you’ve enabled Apple Intelligence, Siri now provides spoken directions and highlights the commands, making for a hands-free, eyes-on-the-road experience.



Photos App: Cleanup Tools and Smarter Search


The Photos app has seen a significant upgrade, enabling intelligent search capabilities and providing tools for precise editing. With the Cleanup Tool, users can now easily remove unwanted objects from their photos. Simply tap on a suggested edit and watch as the app seamlessly removes the object. It’s perfect for those random photobombs or cluttered backgrounds.


If you’re someone who loves creating memories, the Memories feature lets you generate custom slideshows using parameters like dates, themes, or even people. Apple Intelligence helps by picking the best shots, arranging them, and setting it to a music track for an instant trip down memory lane.



Smart Summarization Across Apps


One of the most practical additions is the summarization feature, which works in apps like Mail, Messages, and Safari. It can condense lengthy email threads, text conversations, or articles into digestible bites. In Messages, it can summarize group chats, so you get the key points at a glance without scrolling through endless messages. Safari’s new Reader Mode leverages this feature to present an article’s gist, helping you quickly assess content.



Call Recording and Transcription


Finally, Apple has made call recording an official feature for iOS devices, which is available in the U.S. and Canada initially. Not only can users record calls, but those using devices with Apple Intelligence can enjoy auto-transcription and even a summary of the conversation. Simply tap the new call recording icon during a call, and the feature will announce the recording to all participants, providing both transcription and summary after the call.



RCS Messaging and Improved Emoji Keyboard


Apple has finally made strides in RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging. While adoption depends on carrier support, this upgrade signifies Apple’s intention to improve compatibility across messaging platforms. And emoji enthusiasts, rejoice: the emoji keyboard is now larger, dynamically resizing to provide a more user-friendly experience.



AirPods Pro 2: Hearing Health and Assistance


If you have AirPods Pro 2, you’ll appreciate the hearing health features that iOS 18.1 brings. Now, with options for loud sound reduction and media assistance, users can fine-tune the audio experience. This even extends to using the AirPods as hearing aids, enhancing background sounds and voices in noisy environments. A built-in hearing test feature also allows users to customize settings according to their unique hearing profiles.



Game Center, Control Center, and Customization Galore


For the gamers, Game Center now lets you customize your profile, find friends more easily, and access activity sharing settings. Control Center has also received a subtle yet effective tweak, making connectivity features like WiFi, VPN, and Bluetooth more accessible. If you mess up a configuration, a new “Reset Control Center” button restores it to its original settings.


And for those who love shortcuts, iOS 18.1 introduces the ability to automate Control Center actions via Shortcuts. Want to open Control Center with a double tap? You can do that now.



Should Install iOS 18.1?


In a world of tech releases, the “.1” updates are usually the game-changers—and iOS 18.1 is no exception. With Apple Intelligence paving the way for smarter interactions, a refined Siri, and practical new tools across the board, this update adds more than just polish. The addition of call recording, customizable hearing settings, and a smarter Photos app will make your daily interactions smoother and more intuitive.


While the size of the update varies (up to 7 GB for some users), it’s a worthwhile investment of space for a stable, feature-rich experience. And if you’re holding off for security reasons, rest assured: iOS 18.1 is packed with vital security updates that Apple will detail post-release.


So, whether you’re looking to streamline your productivity, capture the perfect shot, or communicate with friends more effectively, iOS 18.1 has something for everyone.


iOS 18.1, Apple update, Apple Intelligence, iPhone features, iOS upgrade, iOS 18 changes, Siri updates, iPhone photography, Apple CarPlay, iOS security.


Commentaires


bottom of page