Apple’s eagerly awaited generative AI capabilities, known as Apple Intelligence, are approaching their official launch. Initially expected with iOS 18, the release has been postponed to coincide with iOS 18.1. Nevertheless, keen users can begin to explore these AI tools now, albeit with some important restrictions.
On Thursday, Apple released the public beta of iOS 18.1, following two months of testing in the developer beta phase. Historically available only to developers at a cost of £99 per year, Apple has recently opened up the developer beta to the public. This change means that even those without developer credentials can install the iOS 18.1 developer beta, as long as they understand the inherent risks of using incomplete software.
For those who are hesitant to use the developer beta due to potential instability, the public beta offers a more cautious approach. With its launch, users can experience Apple’s evolving AI features for the first time.
Who Can Access Apple Intelligence?
However, there are crucial limitations to consider. Apple Intelligence is currently only supported on a select range of devices. Only the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 series, as well as iPads and Macs equipped with M1 chips or newer, can utilise these AI features. Unfortunately, if you own an older iPhone or a device without an M-series chip, you will not be able to access Apple Intelligence.
Moreover, simply installing the iOS 18.1 beta will not automatically provide access to all AI functionalities. Several advanced features, such as Genmoji, Image Playground, and the anticipated ChatGPT integration, are not yet included in this beta version.
Instead, users will have access to a limited set of AI-driven tools, including AI-enhanced writing features, improvements in applications like Mail and Photos, upgrades to Siri, and the ‘Clean Up’ feature, which serves as Apple’s counterpart to Google’s Magic Eraser. While these initial offerings are limited, they provide a glimpse of what is to come.
Understanding the Risks of Beta Software
It is vital to acknowledge that beta software, whether it’s the developer or public version, comes with inherent risks. By design, beta software is incomplete and still under testing, making it susceptible to bugs and performance issues. These could range from minor annoyances to more significant problems that might disrupt daily use.
For those without a secondary iPhone or iPad to experiment with, it is highly advisable to back up your device prior to installing iOS 18.1. This precaution will allow you to revert to a stable version if any significant issues arise from the beta.
Steps to Install the iOS 18.1 Public Beta
If you are eager to test the new AI features and are willing to accept the associated risks, the installation process is simple.
First, navigate to beta.apple.com and log in with the Apple ID linked to your iPhone. If your device is compatible, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Wait for the page to load, then select Beta Updates.
- Choose the iOS 18 Public Beta option, then return to the previous page.
- You should see the option to install iOS 18.1 Beta. Select ‘Update Now’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Installing the Developer Beta
For those who wish to be at the forefront of Apple’s innovations, the developer beta offers an earlier preview of the software. The installation steps are similar to those for the public beta but require you to log in at developer.apple.com with your Apple ID.
Once you’ve confirmed that your iPhone or iPad is compatible, follow these steps:
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Select Beta Updates and choose the iOS 18 Developer Beta.
- After a moment, you should see the option to install iOS 18.1 Beta. Tap ‘Update Now’ and follow the on-screen prompts.
Joining the Apple Intelligence Waitlist
After installing iOS 18.1, there is one final step to access Apple Intelligence: joining a waitlist. This step is necessary for gaining approval for these AI features.
To join the waitlist, navigate to Settings and select the Apple Intelligence option. Tap ‘Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist’ and confirm your choice by selecting ‘Join Waitlist’ when prompted. Approval times can vary; some users may receive access almost instantly, while others may need to wait up to 30 minutes or longer.
The Future of Apple Intelligence
As Apple continues to enhance its AI tools, future beta updates are likely to include additional features and improvements. Currently, users have the opportunity to test a limited array of functionalities and provide feedback to Apple as the company prepares for a broader release later this autumn.
The launch of Apple Intelligence marks a significant step in Apple’s investment in artificial intelligence, aligning with competitors like Google and Microsoft, who have already integrated AI tools across their platforms. While it may take time for Apple to fully realise its ambitious AI goals, the release of iOS 18.1 will offer a critical first look at the potential of Apple Intelligence.
As with all beta software, users should carefully weigh the risks against the desire to explore Apple’s latest innovations. By the time iOS 18.1 is officially released, these AI tools are expected to play a pivotal role in Apple’s software ecosystem, providing a more seamless and intelligent user experience across its devices.
