Apple Confirms General Availability of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1
On Monday, Apple confirmed the general availability of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. This point update is notable for its inclusion of the first batch of Apple Intelligence features, which were announced at WWDC back in June.
What’s New in Apple Intelligence Features
The new generative AI offering is a major highlight of this update. However, only select Apple devices are equipped to run this feature. These include:
- iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
- All iPhone 16 models
- iPads with an A17 Pro chip (including the new iPad mini)
- M1 and later iPads or Macs
After downloading the update, Apple will ask whether you’d like to opt-in to the feature. Once you do, you’ll be added to a waitlist. This process shouldn’t last longer than a couple of hours.
Why the Waitlist?
Apple’s unusual move is due to the remote server requirement for the LLM-based offering. The company wants to get its backend ready for some big compute demands. However, not every function requires off-board processing. One piece that makes this system unique versus offerings like ChatGPT is its small model approach.
Small Model Approach vs. Black Box
The new Apple Intelligence features are trained on a selective dataset aimed at specific functions rather than the massive, black box approach employed by others. This allows for more efficient and targeted AI processing.
First Batch of Apple Intelligence Features
The first batch of Apple Intelligence features includes:
- Integrated writing tools
- Image cleanup
- Article summaries
- A typing input for the redesigned Siri experience
These updates bring a new level of convenience and productivity to your Apple devices. With iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, you can enjoy improved performance, security, and features.
What’s Next?
iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 are currently available as developer betas. These updates will bring another round of Apple Intelligence features, including:
- Genmoji
- Image Playground
- Visual Intelligence
- Image Wand
- ChatGPT integration
Apple has yet to announce a time frame for GA on these updates.
Conclusion
The general availability of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 marks an exciting new chapter in Apple’s AI journey. With the introduction of Apple Intelligence features, users can expect improved performance, security, and convenience on their Apple devices.
Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, these updates are designed to enhance your overall experience with Apple products. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming updates and features from Apple!
Apple Intelligence Features: What You Need to Know
- What is Apple Intelligence?: Apple Intelligence refers to the company’s new generative AI offering, which includes features like integrated writing tools, image cleanup, article summaries, and a typing input for the redesigned Siri experience.
- Why do I need to opt-in?: You’ll be asked to opt-in to the feature after downloading the update. This is because Apple wants to get its backend ready for some big compute demands.
- What are the benefits of small model approach?: The new Apple Intelligence features are trained on a selective dataset aimed at specific functions rather than the massive, black box approach employed by others. This allows for more efficient and targeted AI processing.
Upcoming Updates: What to Expect
- iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2: These updates will bring another round of Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, Image Wand, and ChatGPT integration.
- Timeline for GA?: Apple has yet to announce a time frame for general availability (GA) on these updates.
Apple Devices Eligible for Apple Intelligence Features
- iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
- All iPhone 16 models
- iPads with an A17 Pro chip (including the new iPad mini)
- M1 and later iPads or Macs
