Overview of New iOS 18.1 Features

Apple has released iOS 18.1, the first major update to iOS 18, adding new features such as Apple Intelligence in the US, call recording and numerous improvements.

Key New Features in iOS 18.1

Apple Intelligence: iOS 18.1 introduces Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 15 Pro and the new iPhone 16 range. Apple is still working on fully developing these capabilities, but some are already available:

• Writing Tools: Allow you to proofread, summarise and rewrite text throughout the operating system.
• Siri: Siri gets a new look, the ability to communicate in writing (Type to Siri) and support for retaining context across successive requests.
• Smart Replies: Suggested replies in Mail and Messages help you respond more quickly.
• Summaries: Brief summaries of emails and notifications, with additional options for summarising text in Notes and Safari.
• Photos: The Memory Maker feature lets you create slideshows from a description, natural language search is supported, and the Clean Up feature can remove unwanted objects from images.
• Focus: Filters out unimportant notifications, ensuring fewer distractions.

Phone App: iOS 18.1 supports phone call recording and transcription. By tapping the record button on the call screen, you can start a recording, with all participants notified. Recordings are saved in the Notes app and automatically transcribed.

Camera: The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now support spatial photo capture, complementing the existing spatial video capability. On iPhone 16 models, camera features include Camera Control with an option to use the front-facing TrueDepth camera and an additional toolbar for settings.

AirPods Pro 2: iOS 18.1 adds hearing features, such as a built-in test for hearing loss, allowing AirPods Pro 2 to be used as a hearing aid to amplify conversations and sounds. It also adjusts the volume of music, videos and calls based on your hearing profile and adds a hearing protection feature to reduce noise.

Control Centre: New connectivity options for Satellite and AirDrop are added individually to Control Centre. There are also new measurement and level tools for direct access to the Measure app and its Level feature.

Apple Music: Apple Music now supports sharing songs directly to TikTok using the Share Song option.

RCS Business Messaging: Lets you communicate via RCS with businesses that support Apple's Business Messaging service.

Wallet App: In the Wallet app, Apple Card holders who have Daily Cash deposits in a savings account can view their balance by selecting the Savings button.

App Store: App Store search now supports natural language, making it easier to find apps.

Game Centre: You can send game invitations to friends through the Contacts app, with invitations appearing in recipients' Settings.

Bug Fixes and Security Updates

iOS 18.1 includes important fixes such as:

• Podcast episodes are no longer marked as played if they have not been played.
• 4K videos at 60 fps play without stuttering in the Photos app.
• Fixed an issue where digital car keys would not passively unlock vehicles after a transfer or restore.
• iPhone 16 models will no longer restart unexpectedly.

The iOS 18.1 update also includes security improvements across many areas, such as image processing, Safari and Siri, providing additional protection for all users.