Tech

iOS 18.1: 5 new features to expect, including Apple Intelligence and iPhone Mirroring

By Bhavya Last updated

Apple is preparing to launch iOS 18.1, just a short time after rolling out iOS 18 on September 16, 2024. Traditionally, these incremental updates are not major overhauls, but iOS 18.1 is shaping up to be an exception, introducing significant new features, particularly the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence. Scheduled for release on September 28, here’s a look at five key enhancements:

1. Apple Intelligence

The standout feature of iOS 18.1 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence on compatible iPhones, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While not all features will be available initially and will only support U.S. English for now, many core AI functionalities will debut. Highlights include:

  • Enhanced Siri: The new Siri will be more intuitive, providing contextual answers and even passing complex queries to ChatGPT with user permission. Additionally, there will be a visually appealing device-wide glow animation when summoning Siri.
  • AI Writing Tools: Users can leverage a suite of writing tools to proofread, rewrite in various tones, and quickly respond to messages.
  • Photo Features: New tools for the Photos app include Clean Up (to remove unwanted elements from images), Memory Movie (which creates slideshows based on prompts), and natural language search capabilities.
  • Summaries: Apple Intelligence will provide concise summaries of emails, phone calls, audio recordings, and notifications.

Later updates are expected to introduce Image Playground, which allows generative image creation, and Genmoji, a custom emoji generator.

2. Improved Contactless Functionality

iOS 18.1 will also open the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party developers, enabling in-app contactless transactions for various services like payments, car keys, transit systems, student IDs, and more. Developers will need to enter into a commercial agreement with Apple to access this feature, paving the way for iPhones to potentially replace traditional wallets.

3. Upgraded iPhone Mirroring

A much-anticipated feature from WWDC 2024, iPhone Mirroring will gain enhanced functionality with iOS 18.1. Users will be able to seamlessly drag and drop files between their iPhones and MacBooks running macOS Sequoia, making the feature much more versatile. Future updates are expected to improve it even further, potentially adding audio input passthrough.

4. Control Center Enhancements

iOS 18.1 will introduce a “Reset Control Center” option in settings for users who may have customized their Control Center too liberally. Moreover, it will allow separate buttons for Wi-Fi and VPN connections instead of bundling them into a single toggle.

5. Selfie Camera Option for Camera Control

Exclusively for iPhone 16 models, iOS 18.1 will enable the Camera Control button to switch to the selfie camera. Users can activate this by opening the Camera app, lightly pressing the button twice, and navigating through the options.

With these exciting features, iOS 18.1 is set to enhance the user experience significantly, especially with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, marking a pivotal step forward for iPhone users.

Tags: iOS 18.1

Bhavya