Apple’s latest iOS update, version 18.1, brings the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence features to iPhones and iPads. This review will explore the key aspects of the update, focusing on the new AI-powered capabilities and their impact on the user experience.
Siri Enhancements
Apple has given Siri a significant makeover with iOS 18.1, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Visual Updates
The iconic Siri orb has been replaced with a new glowing animation that adds a modern touch to the voice assistant’s interface[4]. On iPads, this animation spans the entire edge of the display, creating an immersive experience.
Type to Siri
A new gesture has been introduced to quickly access Type to Siri. Double-tapping the bottom bar on iPhones now brings up the keyboard, allowing users to input commands silently[4]. While convenient, some users have reported accidental activations.
Self-Correction
Siri can now self-correct during commands, improving the overall interaction and reducing frustration caused by misunderstood requests[4].
Photos and Memories
Apple Intelligence has brought significant improvements to the Photos app, enhancing both organization and creativity.
AI-Generated Memory Movies
Users can now create memory movies using natural language prompts[4]. For best results, specific prompts like “trips with [person’s name]” work better than abstract concepts. The AI generates a starting point, which users can then customize to their liking.
Clean Up Feature
The new Clean Up tool uses AI to remove objects from photos or apply effects like pixelation to faces[4]. While not revolutionary, it provides a built-in alternative to third-party photo editing apps.
Productivity Enhancements
Apple Intelligence has been integrated into various productivity features across iOS and iPadOS.
Mail and Messages Summarization
Users can now summarize long email threads or message conversations, making it easier to quickly grasp the key points of a discussion[2].
Notes Transcription
The Notes app can now transcribe voice recordings, making it easier to review and search through audio content[2].
Performance and Battery Life
Early user reports suggest that the update may have some impact on device performance and battery life.
Benchmark Scores
Some users have reported slightly lower Geekbench scores after updating to iOS 18.1[1]. However, these differences are minimal and may not be noticeable in day-to-day use.
Battery Drain
There have been reports of increased battery drain, particularly when using AI features[1]. This may be due to the initial indexing process and could improve over time.
User Interface and Customization
iOS 18.1 brings several UI improvements that enhance the overall user experience.
Dark Mode Icons
The update introduces dark mode icons for the home screen, allowing for better customization and visual coherence[4].
Control Center
The redesigned Control Center offers more flexibility, though its full potential may not be realized until more apps add support for custom buttons[4].
Security and Privacy
Apple continues to prioritize user privacy and security with iOS 18.1.
Passwords App
A dedicated Passwords app has been introduced, making it easier for users to manage their credentials and promoting better password practices[4].
Compatibility and Availability
While iOS 18.1 is available for a wide range of devices, some AI features may be limited to newer models. Users with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series devices will have access to the full range of Apple Intelligence capabilities[2].
Conclusion
iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence represent a significant step forward for Apple’s mobile operating system. While not revolutionary, the update introduces several useful AI-powered features that enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. As with any major update, there may be some initial performance issues, but these are likely to be addressed in future updates.
The introduction of Apple Intelligence showcases Apple’s commitment to integrating AI technologies while maintaining its focus on user privacy and device-based processing. As developers begin to leverage these new capabilities, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI in iOS apps in the future.
For users considering the update, it’s worth noting that the full benefits of Apple Intelligence may be more apparent on newer device models. However, even users with older compatible devices will find valuable improvements in iOS 18.1.
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/iPhone15Pro/comments/1ge5rsb/should_i_update_to_ios_181/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db1spFPQ5u8
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZlKhkIj5E8
[4] https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/10/28/ios-181-ipados-181-review-baby-steps-with-apple-intelligence
[5] https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/apple-intelligence-finally-arrives-in-ios-18-1-heres-whats-new-and-whats-still-missing
[6] https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/ios-18-1-is-finally-here-but-this-is-not-the-apple-intelligence-youve-been-looking-for
[7] https://9to5mac.com/2024/10/28/five-reasons-to-upgrade-to-ios-181-besides-apple-intelligence/
[8] https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-apple-intelligence-ai-features-launch/
[9] https://bgr.com/tech/ios-18-1-now-available-to-download-15-reasons-to-upgrade-your-iphone/
