Apple has released a new generation of software for iPhones with iOS 18. But the really exciting innovations will only come in the following updates with a series of functions that are summarized under the term Apple Intelligence. These functions are intended to integrate artificial intelligence into many iPhone apps and system processes. The rollout will be gradual - from iOS 18.1 to iOS 18.4 - and will bring numerous improvements that will make the iPhone even more powerful and intuitive. Below we take a closer look at the various Apple Intelligence features that will be introduced over the coming months.
Technology is constantly evolving, and with iOS 18, Apple is introducing a whole host of new features that will improve the user experience. Particularly exciting is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a series of intelligent tools based on AI and machine learning. These innovations should not only make your everyday life easier, but also offer you completely new ways of using your iPhone. Over the coming months, these functions will be introduced gradually via various updates - all the more reason to familiarize yourself with the details.
iOS 18.1: The launch of Apple Intelligence functions
The first update to include Apple Intelligence is iOS 18.1, which is scheduled for release in October 2024. Here are the most important new features you can expect:
- Improved Siri functions: Siri becomes even more intelligent with iOS 18.1. It can understand follow-up questions better and corrects errors if the user makes a mistake in a question.
- Writing tools: New tools help to quickly reformulate, summarize or correct texts. This function is particularly useful when writing emails or messages.
- Notification summaries: Users get summarized notifications for apps like messages and emails so they can see what's important right away without having to look through everything individually.
- Clean-up tool in the Photos app: This new tool allows users to remove unwanted objects or people from photos. The background is automatically filled in with the help of generative AI.
- Creating a memory movie: A description can be entered in the photo app and the system creates a short memory movie from the photos and videos.
- Recording and transcription of telephone conversations: Telephone calls can now be recorded and transcribed in text form.
- New focus mode "Reduce interruptions": This mode only displays the most important notifications so as not to distract the user unnecessarily.
All of these functions are part of the update that Apple is planning in October 2024. An iPhone 15 Pro or a model from the iPhone 16 series is required. Siri must also be set to US English in order to work.
- NoticeIn the EU, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) currently prevents the use of Apple Intelligence on iPhones and iPads, which is why a geo-block has also been imposed.
iOS 18.2: Expansion of functions and international availability
The next major update, iOS 18.2, is expected in December 2024. Apple plans to extend the Apple Intelligence functions to other English-speaking countries with this update. These include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. In addition to this geographical expansion, there are also some additional features that will be introduced:
- Image Playground: With this function, new images can be created directly in apps based on descriptions or suggestions. Whether for news or presentations, users have the opportunity to get creative and generate images that are precisely tailored to their requirements.
- Genmoji: Genmoji make it possible to create individual emojis that perfectly match the current conversation. You enter a description and the AI creates an emoji based on this description. Even people from your photo library can be used to create a matching emoji.
In addition, ChatGPT will be integrated into Siri. This means that Siri can get answers directly from ChatGPT when you ask questions or make other inputs. You can also use ChatGPT as part of Apple's system-wide writing tools to create text or images. What's particularly interesting is that you can use ChatGPT on your iPhone, iPad or Mac for free without having to create an account. However, if you have a ChatGPT Plus subscription, you can link your account and access the paid features.
iOS 18.3: A minor update
iOS 18.3 is expected to be released at the end of January and will probably be a minor update. It is currently unclear whether it will include new Apple Intelligence features. However, there are rumors that Apple is considering providing some of the new Siri features already in this update. These include improvements such as Siri's personal context, which enables Siri to respond in a personalized and contextual way. This could further improve the user experience, although the main features are likely to come in the following update, according to Bloomberg.
iOS 18.4: The big update in March 2025
The most comprehensive update for Apple Intelligence is expected with iOS 18.4 in March 2025, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. Apple plans to introduce some of the most advanced Siri features with this update:
- Personal context: Siri will be able to provide personalized responses based on your previous interactions and preferences.
- On-screen awareness: Siri recognizes what is currently happening on your screen and provides you with appropriate information or suggestions.
- Detailed per-app control: You get more control over the functions of individual apps directly via Siri, allowing for more precise use.
With iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence could also be available in other languages, including Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Korean. This would significantly extend the reach of Apple's AI functions and make them available to an even wider international audience. Of course, this assumes that Apple also reaches an agreement with the EU in the meantime. The company has only recently confirmedthat Apple Intelligence will support German, among others, from 2025.
- As a reminderIn the EU, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) currently prevents the use of Apple Intelligence on iPhones and iPads, which is why a geo-block has also been imposed. Interestingly, however, the function is active in the developer beta of macOS Sequoia 15.1, as macOS is not considered a gatekeeper platform. According to Apple, it is currently in talks with the European Commission to find a solution that will allow Apple Intelligence to be used on mobile devices in the EU. If this is successful, we could therefore be able to enjoy Apple's new functions sooner than previously expected.
Apple Intelligence: Updates bring decisive improvements
With the introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple is bringing a whole range of new features that will make the iPhone smarter and more powerful. These features are expected to be introduced in several updates between iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.4 and will bring numerous improvements in areas such as voice control, photo editing, messaging and more. If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16, you can look forward to an enhanced user experience that gives you even more ways to get things done efficiently and unleash your creativity - assuming Apple reaches an agreement with the EU! (Image: Apple)
