Typically, Apple begins testing version x.1 of a new iOS release right after the major version is released. We expected the iOS 18 beta to continue throughout the summer until its release in September, followed immediately by the iOS 18.1 beta. Then, iOS 18.1 would be released in October, and beta testing for version 18.2 would begin, and so on.
This year, things are very different. More than a month before the planned release of iOS 18, Apple launched a beta test of iOS 18.1. It was made available to developers on July 29 and only for devices that support Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, iPad M series) and it is not yet known if and when it will be available to public beta testers.
Find out everything you need to know about the upcoming iPhone update in our iOS 18 superguide.
iOS 18.1: New Features
The headline feature of Apple’s iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools and Siri enhancements that will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as later iPhones. Apple Intelligence is also coming to Macs powered by Apple Silicon.
Apple Intelligence features are coming gradually: some features were supposed to be available with the launch of iOS 18, others later this year, and still others in an update in spring 2025. Apple’s plans have changed a bit, with the first wave of Apple Intelligence features arriving in iOS 18.1, which will likely launch in October. We have a guide to which features are coming when.
Early reports suggest that the following features are available in the initial beta testing of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1:
- AI Writing Tools
- New and improved Siri
- Email features like smart replies and email digests
- Natural language in photos
The following features have already been reported to be missing from the initial beta test:
- ChatGPT Integration
- Playground for images
- Genmoji
- Advanced Siri features like on-screen detection and in-app actions
Image features were expected to arrive at launch, but we weren’t expecting ChatGPT integration until later this year anyway, and advanced Siri features will arrive in early 2025. It’s unclear if there are any other new features that aren’t included in the iOS 18 beta.
iOS 18.1: System Requirements
The iOS 18.1 beta is currently stuck on a waiting list. Users who download the iOS 18.1 developer beta will receive the following message:
The iOS 18.1 beta is an early preview of an update to iOS 18 that will be available later this fall. This beta introduces an initial set of features powered by Apple Intelligence.
To try the Apple Intelligence beta, sign up for the waitlist in Settings and you’ll be notified when it’s ready for your device. The device language and Siri language must be set to US English, and the device region must be set to the United States.
As noted, Apple Intelligence is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in US English in the US region. It cannot be installed in the EU or China.
iOS 18.1: How to install the beta
The iOS 18.1 beta is currently only available to developers, but anyone can still get it. Starting with iOS 17, you don’t need to be a member of the $99-per-year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do the trick. You can get one through Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it through the Apple Developer app:
- Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
- Open the app.
- Tap Account.
- Sign in using your usual Apple ID.
Registered developers can choose to get the iOS 18.1 beta instead by going to the Settings app, then General > Software Update, and selecting iOS Developer Beta in the Beta Updates tab. When you return to the main Software Update screen, you will see Upgrade to iOS 18 at the bottom of the screen under the Also Available heading. Tap on it and you will be taken to the iOS 18.1 beta.
As always, remember to backup your iPhone before installing the beta.
