iOS 18.1 Beta 3: All about the latest features and updates

Apple recently released the third round of developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. These updates bring some interesting new features, mainly aimed at the integration of AI technologies.

Apple's current developer betas offer a first look at the new features that will be introduced in iOS 18.1 and its associated updates. The main focus is on a new cleanup tool for the Photos app (known as Clean-Up) and a summary function for notifications. Both features were already announced at WWDC in June and are now available to beta testers. Important to know: These features can only be used on the latest devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro or Macs and iPads with M1 chip and newer, and the features are not officially available in the EU for the time being.

Clean-Up in the Photo App

The new Clean-Up tool in the Photos app lets you remove distracting objects from your images. The tool uses Apple's generative AI to automatically detect and remove unwanted elements. You can tap, circle, or brush objects to make them disappear. If the AI doesn't automatically detect an object, you can select it manually. The software fills in the empty space in the image so that it looks like the object was never there. All changes can be undone, so you can always go back to the original image.

notification summary

Another new feature in iOS 18.1 is the Notification Summary. This feature summarizes notifications from different apps and shows you only the most important information. You can decide which apps should be included in the summary and adjust these settings at any time. The summaries appear on the lock screen so that you can quickly get an overview of the essentials without being distracted by unimportant details.

macOS Sequoia: Installation on external drives

macOS Sequoia 15.1 brings a feature that is particularly interesting for users with limited storage space: the ability to install apps directly on external drives. This option applies to all apps that are larger than one gigabyte. As soon as an external drive is connected, these apps are automatically installed on it. This saves valuable space on the internal hard drive, which is particularly useful for devices with smaller storage.

iOS 18.1 brings efficiency through AI and new features

The new features in iOS 18.1 and the associated updates for iPadOS and macOS Sequoia show that Apple continues to place great emphasis on integrating AI and improving the user experience. With the "Clean-Up" feature and the notification summary, you can use your devices even more efficiently. The official release of these updates is expected in fall 2024, along with other exciting new features. Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading providers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Image: Apple)