What's in Apple's new iPhone update?

Apple has released a new iPhone update with iOS 18.1. It includes some new features and improvements – including Apple Intelligence.

iPhone users can now download iOS 18.1. The update includes some new features and improvements. One of the most important innovations is the AI ​​feature Apple Intelligence. In Europe, however, the offer remains limited for the time being.

iOS 18.1: This is in the new iPhone update

Initially, iPhone users in the USA in particular have access to Apple Intelligence. This is a personal intelligent system that “uses the full power of Apple chips to understand and generate speech and images,” according to the company’s official statement.

It is intended to help improve texts and summarize communications, emails and messages. Siri should also become more powerful. The voice assistant will be more natural and flexible and will be even more deeply integrated into the system functions, says Apple. This means Siri can now understand ongoing conversations and provide answers based on the context of the conversation.

The in-house AI system also supports intelligent image editing. In the future, the Magic Editor will help to “erase” distracting objects from photos. Searching in the Photos app should now be easier. Users can search for anything in natural language by describing what they want to find. Specific wishes for the review feature can also be expressed using voice commands.

Security update and functions that already exist in Germany

In Germany, access to the full range of functions is still limited. Nevertheless, there are also some innovations here. The control center offers individual adjustment options and settings. All models in the iPhone 16 series can now change the camera more easily. Within Game Center, users can send friend invitations directly from Contacts.

iOS 18.1 also includes some bug fixes. For example, Apple has fixed an issue with incorrectly tagged episodes in Apple Podcasts. Video scrubbing when overheating in the 4K range also received an optimization. There is also a bug with the digital car key. With iOS 18.1, there should no longer be errors when unlocking and starting cars after restoring from a backup.

Install iOS 18.1

iOS 18.1 has been available for free download since October 28, 2024. Apple traditionally recommends prompt installation. The update is available for all models starting with the iPhone 11 and the third generation iPhone SE. The version can be changed via the device settings under “Generally” and “Software update“ can be downloaded.

With iPadOS 18.1, Apple also presented a new update for the iPad. It applies to all devices starting with the iPad Pro (M4), the fifth generation iPad Pro (12.9-inch), the third generation iPad Pro (11-inch), the tenth generation iPad, the iPad Air (M2), the third generation iPad Air and the fourth generation iPad mini.

In Europe, the full scope of Apple Intelligence will be available in April 2025, according to the press release. Until then, you can access the functions via macOS Sequoia 15.1 – but only if you select English (USA) as the language.

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