iOS 18.1 update with AI is just around the corner

Apple is about to release iOS 18.1, its most important update of the year so far. It brings the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence and other AI innovations. But what can EU users expect from this milestone update?

Countdown to Apple Intelligence is on

Apple has distributed the release candidate version of iOS 18.1 to developers and beta testers. This signals that the final update is within reach for all users. Apple is expected to release iOS 18.1 for compatible iPhones on October 28th.

The update marks a milestone because it brings the much-discussed Apple Intelligence to devices for the first time. However, German users still have to be patient: The AI ​​functions will initially only launch in the USA and in English.

Extensive AI features for US users

For US users, Apple Intelligence offers a number of new features. This includes AI-powered writing tools that are available almost everywhere in the system. They make it possible to rewrite, correct or summarize texts – directly in the respective app. Siri is also getting an upgrade with a new design and improved language understanding.

The voice assistant can now handle context better and remember the course of the conversation. A new “Type for Siri” function also allows requests to be entered via text. In the photo app, users will in future be able to search for images by describing them. Disturbing elements can also be removed from photos. A new feature even creates reminder videos based on text descriptions.

What can German users expect?

While the most important AI functions are still a long time coming in this country, iOS 18.1 still brings some innovations for German iPhone owners. Apple could potentially enable us to transcribe telephone conversations or audio recordings.

Owners of an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max can also take spatial photos. An important change also affects payment transactions: iOS 18.1 opens up alternatives to Apple Pay in the EU. The first announcements are expected to follow soon, possibly with the participation of Volksbanken or a PayPal wallet. In general, you can look forward to the German patch notes next week. According to previous reports, Apple plans to gradually expand the functionality of Apple Intelligence.

With iOS 18.2, which is expected before the end of the year, features such as Image Playground and Genmoji are expected to follow. The most comprehensive Siri extensions are not expected to be introduced until iOS 18.4 in March 2025.