Apple’s Intelligence is already here: this is everything we can do in its first beta version

Apple has released the first beta of iOS 18.1 for developers, and with it comes Apple Intelligence. Apple’s AI takes its first step on the iPhone and does so with many new features. Not all of them are available yet, as some require more development time, but there is still much to discover now that we have Apple Intelligence among us.

iOS 18 Download

For now, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 are only available for devices with Apple Intelligence support. Once the updates are installed, assuming we have a developer account, the list of new features is as follows.

Writing Tools

One of the standout features of Apple Intelligence is the writing tools incorporated into the devices. These allow us to review texts by instantly correcting spelling, grammar, word choice, and sentence structure.

In addition, they offer us the option to rewrite texts to improve their clarity or modify the tone without altering the content itself. We can also select texts to obtain an automatic summary in different formats: paragraphs, lists, key points, or tables.

Siri is smarter and has the ability to communicate in writing

The new version of Siri now features its new interface that displays a glow around the edge of the screen when activated, preventing it from obstructing the view of the screen itself. Additionally, Siri can now maintain context between requests and follow the conversation thread even if we modify our request in the middle of a sentence.

Now we can also write to Siri. Simply double-tap on the bottom of the iPhone or iPad screen to make our request in writing. On the Mac, we will press the Command key twice.

Email and Messages: Smart Replies

Now both in Mail and Messages, quick reply options based on the context of the received message and the response we want to give are included. Both applications can summarize the content of multiple notifications directly on the lock screen.

In addition, Mail organizes urgent messages at the top of the mailbox and provides brief summaries in the inbox list so that we can understand the content at a glance without having to open the email.

Creating Memories in Photos

The Photos app includes Memory Maker, a tool that allows us to create movies from simple descriptions like “My beach vacation” or “Christmas in London.” This feature automatically selects the most suitable photos and music, generates a short narrative, usually temporary, and presents the final movie.

Now we can also search more naturally in the Photos app, search within our videos, and use autocomplete for searches.

Improved focus modes: reduce interruptions

The focus modes have also been updated to reduce interruptions, allowing only important notifications to capture our attention. With the interruption reduction mode, the system determines what to show us and silences everything else.

Call transcription and summary

Another standout feature is the ability to record phone calls directly from the Phone app interface, always with consent notifications for all participants. Recordings and transcriptions are saved in the Notes app, where automatic summaries of the conversations can be generated.

Similarly, any recording in the Notes app, not necessarily in the Phone app, can be transcribed, summarized, etc.

Privacy and Security

In the Privacy and Security section, we have the option to access a report of our interactions with Apple Intelligence, which allows us to export the data used by Apple’s artificial intelligence.

iOS 18 Download

Yes, it is a beta, and yet, the results we are seeing are truly impressive. It is important to take into account that generative AI can be directly integrated into the system. While in China and Europe, we will have to wait until next year for Apple Intelligence to be available due to the DMA; in the rest of the world, after installing the beta, we can join the waiting list for this feature. A feature, if we can call it that, that will change the iPhone forever.