Apple releases iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence and major improvements to iPhone

Last update: 28/10/2024
Author Alberto navarro
  • iOS 18.1 includes improvements to Control Center, with new shortcuts and customizable options.
  • Apple Intelligence arrives with advanced features IA exclusive to certain devices.
  • The call recording feature and advanced writing tools are two of the big new features.
  • NFC open to third parties and camera improvements for newer models.
iOS 18.1

Apple has officially released the iOS 18.1 update for iPhones , bringing with it a number of significant improvements and new features. This version marks the beginning of a new era with Apple Intelligence , its own artificial intelligence system that is starting to roll out to some devices. Although it is currently only available in English and to a select group of users in the United States, it is expected to arrive in Europe in the coming months.

iOS 18.1 brings a long list of new features to the iPhone, including greater customization in Control Center , new tools for recording calls , and significant improvements to popular apps like Mail and Photos. In addition, the option to open NFC to third-party software will allow other apps to take advantage of this technology, a change that has been highly requested by iPhone users.

Top new features of iOS 18.1

The first major change noticeable in iOS 18.1 is the redesigned Control Center . It's now more customizable than ever, allowing you to add shortcuts for managing Wi-Fi, VPN , AirDrop , and other connections. Apple has also added the ability to reset it to its default settings from the Settings app. This feature can also be controlled through the Shortcuts app, offering even greater flexibility.

Control Center in iOS 18.1 One of the most anticipated features is the call recording. Now, any user with a compatible iPhone will be able to record phone calls and FaceTime, provided that both parties agree. Although this option was already present in other OSApple has worked on its proper implementation to comply with privacy regulations and offer a secure service.

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There are also camera improvements , including quick access to the TrueDepth front camera on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, and a new Spatial Capture feature for creating videos that take advantage of depth and space, available on the latest iPhone models . This innovation improves image quality and expands the possibilities for content creators using their iPhone to record 4K video.

Apple Intelligence arrives

Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1

Apple's artificial intelligence , known as Apple Intelligence, is one of the major new features of iOS 18.1. Currently, this feature is only available for iPhone 15 Pro and later models, as well as Macs and iPads with M chips. This technology brings advanced new features such as writing tools , which allow users to modify, summarize, and correct text using AI. This feature is integrated into apps like Mail and Notes, and is also available in third-party apps.

In addition, a new version of Siri is included, featuring an updated design that wraps around the screen and allows for more natural and fluid interaction. Siri can now maintain the context of the conversation, improving the user experience by allowing reference to previous interactions or previously requested items without the need to repeat commands.

As for the Photos app , personalization reaches the next level with the Clean Up feature , which removes unwanted objects from images with a simple tap. This option, along with the ability to create videos from voice commands that describe the story you want to tell, are some of the most notable advancements of Apple Intelligence.

More improvements and new features

Among the new features in iOS 18.1, the opening of NFC to third-party applications is also noteworthy. This improvement will allow other developers to make broader use of this chip, something that was previously limited to the Wallet app. TikTok and Apple Music integration has also been added , making it easier to share songs directly on the popular social network.

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Notifications on iOS Another important change is the new notification managementNotifications can now be grouped more efficiently, and a number will automatically be displayed indicating how many notifications from the same app are pending. A new approach has also been introduced to minimise interruptions by prioritising notifications that the system considers most relevant.

As for the Mail app , it can now automatically generate summaries of long messages and prioritize urgent emails, which is especially useful for managing your inbox more effectively. These summaries help save time by ensuring you don't miss anything important.

How to update to iOS 18.1?

Updating to iOS 18.1 is incredibly easy. Just go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. Keep in mind that this update is available for all models already compatible with iOS 18, meaning iPhone XS and later models. You can also get it via your Mac or PC by connecting your iPhone with a cable.

iOS 18.1 has arrived with noticeable improvements and cutting-edge artificial intelligence features that transform the iPhone user experience. While Apple Intelligence isn't yet available in all countries or languages, the company has confirmed its expansion in spring 2025. Stay tuned for new updates!