Sometimes, Apple would begin testing the x.1 model of a brand new iOS launch proper after the primary launch. We anticipated the iOS 18 beta to proceed by the summer season till its launch in September, adopted instantly by the iOS 18.1 beta. Then, iOS 18.1 can be launched in October, and 18.2 beta testing would start, and so forth.
This 12 months could be very completely different. Greater than a month forward of the anticipated iOS 18 launch, Apple has begun an iOS 18.1 beta check. It was made obtainable for builders on July 29 and just for gadgets which are appropriate with Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max, M-series iPads) and it’s not but identified if or when it will likely be obtainable to public beta testers.
Discover out all the pieces you might want to know concerning the subsequent iPhone replace in our iOS 18 superguide.
Up to date September 11: Apple has launched a model of iOS 18.1 for the brand new iPhone 16 telephones. It will make it simpler for these working the iOS 18.1 beta on the iPhone 15 Professional to switch to a brand new iPhone 16 subsequent week.
iOS 18.1: New options
Apple’s largest iOS 18 characteristic is Apple Intelligence, a collection of AI instruments and Siri enhancements that can be unique to the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max, in addition to later iPhones. Apple Intelligence is coming to Macs with Apple Silicon as properly.
Apple Intelligence options are coming in kind of a phased rollout: some options had been supposed to be obtainable with the launch of iOS 18, some later this 12 months, and a few in an replace within the spring of 2025. Apple’s plans have modified a bit, with the primary wave of Apple Intelligence options coming in iOS 18.1, which can in all probability launch in October. We’ve a information to which options are coming at what time.
The next options can be found within the preliminary iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 beta check:
- AI writing instruments
- New and improved Siri
- Mail options like good replies and electronic mail summaries
- Pure language in photographs
- Name recording and transcription
- Safari net web page summaries
- Clear Up software in Photographs
The next options will not be within the iOS 18.1 beta:
- ChatGPT integration
- Picture Playground
- Genmoji
- Superior Siri options like on-screen consciousness, private context, and actions inside apps
The picture options had been mentioned to reach at launch, however more moderen experiences say it is going to come later this 12 months in iOS 18.2 or 18.3. ChatGPT integration ought to arrive round that point, too. The superior Siri stuff is coming in early 2025.
Beta 2 added the iOS 18 modifications that got here in iOS 18 beta 5. Specifically, some enhancements to the brand new Photographs app interface and Safari’s “Cover Distracting Objects” characteristic. There are new splash screens all through iOS to explain new options in numerous apps.
Beta 3 added the “Clear Up” software in Photographs, however not one of the different generative AI picture capabilities.
iOS 18.1: Necessities
The iOS 18.1 beta is at present locked behind a waitlist. Customers who obtain the iOS 18.1 developer beta can be greeted with the next message:
iOS 18.1 beta is an early preview of an replace to iOS 18 that can be obtainable later this fall. This beta introduces an preliminary set of options powered by Apple Intelligence.
To attempt the Apple Intelligence beta, be a part of the waitlist in Settings and you’ll be notified as quickly as it’s prepared in your machine. Each machine language and Siri language should be set to US English, and machine area should be set to United States.
As famous, Apple Intelligence is simply obtainable on the iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional Max in U.S. English in the USA area. It can’t be put in within the EU or China.
iOS 18.1: Methods to set up the beta
The iOS 18.1 beta is at present solely obtainable for builders, however anybody can nonetheless get it. Starting with iOS 17, you don’t have to be within the $99 per 12 months developer program to entry the developer beta. A free developer account will do. You may get one by way of Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Right here’s find out how to do it by way of the Apple Developer app:
- Obtain the from the App Retailer.
- Open the app.
- Faucet on Account.
- Check in utilizing your standard Apple ID.
Registered builders can select to get the iOS 18.1 beta as a substitute by going to the Settings app, then Common > Software program Replace, and deciding on iOS Developer Beta within the Beta Updates tab. Whenever you return to the primary Software program Replace display screen, you’ll Improve to iOS 18 on the backside of the display screen underneath the Additionally Obtainable heading. Faucet that and it’ll take you to the iOS 18.1 beta.
As all the time, bear in mind to again up your iPhone prior to installing the beta.