Apple releases first-ever AI update with new features for iPhone, iPad and MacBook; details here

Apple has unveiled its latest software update, iOS 18.1, which includes improvements to artificial intelligence, camera improvements, and new health and accessibility tools. A standout feature is Apple Intelligence, a set of smart features that use artificial intelligence to improve typing, search, and notifications on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This update is available for most Apple devices, from the latest iPhone models to compatible iPads and Macs. Users can look forward to iOS 18.1 and accompanying updates to iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1.

Apple Intelligence marks Apple’s big step into everyday artificial intelligence, building tools and smart suggestions directly into apps. Unlike typical AI apps, Apple’s method doesn’t require you to open a specific app — its new features appear in places you’re already using, such as Messages, Mail, and Photos. It’s Apple’s answer to the AI ​​trend, offering intelligent tools that make text input, notifications and search more responsive and intuitive without requiring external apps or services.

Some of these features are designed to make Siri smarter and more useful in everyday activities. Siri’s ability to control the context of a conversation allows it to respond more naturally to requests, even when users change their minds or correct themselves mid-sentence. Thanks to improvements in artificial intelligence, Siri now understands a wider range of questions and sounds more natural in her answers.

Apple has introduced new writing tools that can rewrite, proofread and summarize text, helping users improve messaging and emails from within the app. When composing a message or email, users can choose from a variety of text suggestions, check their work, or quickly create a resume with one tap. These changes are aimed at streamlining tasks, saving users time and increasing productivity, especially for those on the go.

In the Photos app, Apple Intelligence introduces a Cleanup feature that allows users to remove unwanted elements from their photos, such as photo bombers or clutter. Users can also search for photos by describing what’s in the image. In the Camera app, Apple now offers a 3D photo and video mode available on iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which provides 3D effects for photos and videos. This opens up a new level of immersion in photo and video content.

Reduce focus interruptions uses artificial intelligence to determine which notifications are most relevant, so users only receive important notifications and avoid unnecessary distractions. This new alert summary feature also condenses alerts into an easy-to-read snapshot, making it easy to quickly update key information at a glance.

This update improves the versatility of AirPods for health and hearing. Users can perform hearing tests directly from their AirPods, offering clinically validated information. AirPods Pro 2 now includes a hearing aid feature that adjusts sound for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. In addition, the hearing protection mode reduces the impact of loud sounds, which is useful in noisy environments. These updates align with Apple’s emphasis on accessibility and well-being, making their products more inclusive.

In addition to the core features, Apple has made minor tweaks to make it easier to access and use. Control Center now lets users change connection settings, App Store searches now respond in natural language, and the Notes app can transcribe live call recordings. Apple has also addressed some common bugs, such as issues with podcast episodes, video playback quality, and digital car key functionality.

This iOS 18.1 update is rolling out to all compatible devices, although Apple Intelligence and other special AI features are currently only available in US English. Users may face a virtual queue before these AI features are active on their devices, indicating that Apple is still working to make these features more accessible.

Overall, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 aim to introduce advanced features without complicating the user experience, maintaining Apple’s commitment to intuitive and user-friendly technology.