Apple Releases iOS 18.1 Public Beta 2 and Other OS Updates

Apple Releases Second iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia Public Betas With Apple Intelligence

Apple today released the second public betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of its October launch. The second beta comes a day after Apple provided the software to developers. Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's beta testing program can download the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates by opening up the Settings app, tapping into the Software Update section and selecting the Public Beta option. Apple has also released watchOS 11.1 and tvOS 18.1 betas for public beta testers. iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 are the first updates that includes Apple Intelligence features. Not all AI capabilities have been added, but the beta includes Writing Tools, Siri updates, summaries, AI-powered Focus modes, and smart replies. To use Apple Intelligence features, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, an iPhone 16 model, or M-series Mac or iPad. Writing Tools are available whenever text can be selected and edited, and the feature can be used for spell checking, correcting grammar, rewriting your work with a new tone, and summarizing text. Siri has been overhauled with a new design that includes a subtle glow around the display, and Type to Siri means you don't have to speak to Siri to get answers. Siri can follow along if you stumble over your words, and can maintain context between requests. Safari can summarize articles, and there's a new Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode that intelligently highlights only important notifications. Smart replies are available in Messages and Mail, plus the Mail app surfaces priority time sensitive messages and puts them at the top of your inbox. Photos has a Memory Movie feature for creating slideshows based on text descriptions, and there is a Clean Up tool for unwanted objects in your photos. All iOS 18.1 users can now access phone call recording and transcribing, with recorded calls saved in the Notes app, but summarizing phone calls from those transcriptions is an Apple Intelligence feature. The update also brings spatial photo capabilities to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The second beta includes an update to iPhone Mirroring, adding support for drag and drop file transfers between the iPhone and the Mac. iPhone 16 users will see a Control Center reset option and a Camera Control icon to activate the front-facing camera for selfies. More on all of the features that are available in the betas right now can be found in our Apple Intelligence guide. Image Playground, Genmoji, and other new Siri features have not yet been implemented.

Apple's fifth round of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS 15.1 developer betas have arrived | AppleInsider

Apple is continuing to shake down Apple Intelligence in the developer betas, with fifth builds of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 now available alongside second builds of visionOS 2.1, tvOS 18.1, and watchOS 11.1. With the iPhone 16 now out, the pressure is on for Apple to deliver Apple Intelligence to end users. In another round of betas, Apple is trying to make sure everyone gets a great experience once the updates officially release and let customers actually play around with the features. The fifth developer betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, as well as the second builds of visionOS 2.1, tvOS 18.1, and watchOS 11.1, arrive after the respective fourth builds and first builds, which Apple introduced on September 17. The difference in build counts can be put down to Aple continuing to beta test tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2 at the same time as the Apple Intelligence-infused iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. The new iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 build numbers are is 22B5045g and 22B5045h, replacing 22B5045g, while macOS Sequoia has moved on to build 24B5046f. Apple's tvOS 18.1 beta moves to 22J5543e, watchOS 11.1 is on build 22R5545g, and visionOS 2.1 gets to 22N5548d. The main difference between the 18.1 and 18 operating system versions is Apple Intelligence, which includes generative AI and machine learning features. Not all Apple Intelligence features will be available when it is eventually released. Early Apple Intelligence features that appeared included a new Siri animation, Type to Siri, a better understanding of queries and contextual awareness, product knowledge, and a swathe of writing tools. The third developer beta brought with it Clean Up for Photos, which lets users remove unwanted elements from images. AppleInsider and Apple strongly advise that users do not install test operating systems or other beta or RC software onto "mission-critical" or primary hardware, due to the small chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should therefore use secondary or non-essential devices and make sure they have sufficient backups of any critical data.

iOS 18.1 public beta 2 now available, here's what's new - 9to5Mac

Apple has released iOS 18.1 public beta 2. The new update offers the latest iOS 18.1 enhancements to iPhone users in the public beta program, including Apple Intelligence features. Here's what's new in this latest release. If you are already a member of Apple's public beta program, you can find beta 2 by opening Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Software Update on your iPhone. If not, you can enroll in the program free via Apple's website. Apple is expected to ship iOS 18.1 in a wide public release in just a few weeks. Mid-to-late October is the most likely release date. But today's public beta provides an opportunity to get advance access to all of the new features that are coming soon. The biggest highlight of iOS 18.1 is the Apple Intelligence features it brings. It includes the new and improved Siri, AI notification summaries, powerful writing tools, and a lot more. Outside of AI, iOS 18.1 also includes call recording and transcription in the Phone app, Control Center enhancements, and more. Today's public beta 2 is based on the same build as yesterday's developer beta 5. Despite the expected public launch in just a few weeks, the new iOS 18.1 public beta still offers a number of new features and improvements. Here's everything that's new in today's beta 2 release: As the list above makes clear, Apple isn't done refining the various improvements coming in iOS 18.1. Moving forward, it's likely we'll see weekly releases of new public betas. But as the October public launch draws closer, those updates will focus more on bug fixes and general stability rather than making noteworthy changes. Discover any other changes in public beta 2? Be sure to let us know via the comments.

Apple releases public beta 2 for iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, more - 9to5Mac

It's new public beta day. It's been less than a week since Apple launched the first public betas for iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, watchOS 11.1, and more. But today, public beta 2 is here already with a variety of upgrades and enhancements. Here's everything new in the latest beta. One of the most exciting additions to the new public beta is support for iPhone Mirroring drag and drop. iPhone Mirroring was a tentpole feature in macOS Sequoia, but it gets even better in Sequoia's 15.1 update. When your Mac and iPhone are both running public beta 2, you'll be able to drag and drop files and photos between your mirrored iPhone and macOS. This new capability offers an even faster way than AirDrop to move documents between devices. Another key Mac enhancement in beta 2 is that Low Power Mode can now be toggled on and off via the Menu Bar. Here are some of the other new features and changes in beta 2: Apple's public beta 2 offers a preview of upcoming software features ahead of their full public releases. iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, and their companion updates are expected to launch widely in mid-to-late October. If you're okay dealing with potential bugs and performance issues on your devices, you can join Apple's public beta program today to get a sneak peek at what's coming. The biggest highlight for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users will be Apple Intelligence. If you're running an M1 (or later) Mac or iPad, and your device is set to US English, you'll be able to try out the first Apple Intelligence features. Except, for now at least, users in China and iPad users in the EU. These include the first version of AI Siri, intelligent notification summaries, new writing tools, and more. There's a lot more coming from Apple Intelligence in future updates, but the first wave of features is available here. Looking ahead, Apple seems ready to ship weekly beta releases until the big October public launch. We'll keep you posted on everything new that the company has in store. Are you running public beta 2? How has performance on your devices been? Let us know in the comments.

Get a Sneak Peek at Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 Beta 5

Apple has recently released iOS 18.1 Beta 5 for registered developers, introducing a wealth of exciting features and improvements across various aspects of the operating system. This update not only focuses on iOS but also includes beta versions for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, showcasing Apple's commitment to providing a seamless and integrated user experience across all its devices. The video below from Brandon Butch gives us a look at the new iOS 18.1 beta 5 and Apple Intelligence, let's find out more details. One of the most notable changes in iOS 18.1 Beta 5 revolves around the Control Center. Apple has introduced new Wi-Fi and VPN toggles, making it more convenient for users to manage their connectivity options without navigating through multiple settings. Additionally, users now have the ability to reset the Control Center layout to its default configuration, providing a clean slate for customization. To further enhance user control, a new shortcut action has been implemented, allowing users to effortlessly show or hide the Control Center with a simple command. iOS 18.1 Beta 5 also brings updates to Apple Intelligence, the company's advanced artificial intelligence system. The Apple Intelligence logo now features a sleek dark mode icon, seamlessly blending with the overall user interface theme. Moreover, users will be delighted to find updated wallpapers for both light and dark modes, offering a refreshed visual experience that complements the enhanced functionality of the operating system. For photography enthusiasts, particularly those using the iPhone 16 series, iOS 18.1 Beta 5 introduces a dedicated selfie option within the camera control menu. This addition grants users greater flexibility and control when capturing self-portraits, ensuring that every selfie turns out perfect. Apple has also prioritized accessibility in this update, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity. The accessibility menu now features larger glyph icons and increased padding, making it easier for users with visual impairments to navigate and interact with the interface. These enhancements aim to provide a more user-friendly experience for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. In addition to these major updates, iOS 18.1 Beta 5 brings refinements to various apps and features. The Messages app now displays a new splash screen for Apple Intelligence, while the Notes app features an updated icon for writing tools, enhancing the overall user experience. Furthermore, the update expands RCS support to new carriers, improving messaging capabilities and compatibility across different networks. For users who frequently switch between their iPhone and Mac, iOS 18.1 Beta 5 introduces a convenient feature that allows dragging and dropping files between the two devices. This seamless integration streamlines the file transfer process, making it easier than ever to work across multiple Apple devices. Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, also receives improvements in this update. When using Type to Siri, users can now benefit from real-time suggestions and improved application launching, making interactions with Siri more efficient and intuitive. While iOS 18.1 Beta 5 brings a host of exciting features and enhancements, it is important to note that some issues persist. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, in particular, continues to experience touchscreen sensitivity issues, which Apple is actively working to address in future releases. Despite this, initial Geekbench scores for the iPhone 16 Pro Max show promising performance and battery life remains consistent with previous beta versions. Looking ahead, developers and enthusiasts can anticipate the release of iOS 18.1 Beta 6, which is expected to bring further refinements and bug fixes. Additionally, there is speculation about a potential iOS 18.01 update specifically designed to tackle the ongoing touch sensitivity issues. iOS 18.1 Beta 5 represents a significant milestone in Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience across its ecosystem of devices. With a focus on connectivity, accessibility, and intelligent features, this update sets the stage for a more intuitive and empowering mobile computing experience. As developers continue to explore and leverage the capabilities of iOS 18.1, users can look forward to a future where their devices seamlessly integrate and adapt to their needs, making everyday tasks more efficient and enjoyable.

Download: Apple Has Released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS 15.1 Beta 5, Alongside Other Updates

Apple has seen fit to release a new beta version of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 to developers for testing purposes alongside the second beta of tvOS 18.1, watchOS 11.1, and visionOS 2.1. If you are a developer, you can download and install the latest build on your compatible device right now. iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 beta 5 can be downloaded on all compatible iPhone and iPad models through the Settings app by heading over to General > Software Update > Beta Updates > and then installing the latest build on your device. You have to make sure that your Apple ID is connected to your Developer Account to receive the update over the air. macOS 15.1 beta 5 can also be downloaded to compatible Macs through the Software Update section in System Settings. Similar to iOS 18.1, you are required to connect your Apple ID to your Developer Account to receive the update over the air. The aforementioned updates bring new improvements to the AI features that will be part of the updates including the Control Center reset option, new connectivity options, and the new Selfie option in the Camera Control button. This goes on to show that the company will add additional features to the new capacitive button. Other than iOS 18.1 and other updates, Apple has also released the second developer beta of watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1, and visionOS 2.1. The updates can be installed through the Settings app on all devices that are compatible,, and if you are interested, it is worth noting that your Apple ID should be connected to your Developer Account to receive the update via an an over-the-air mechanism. Apple will potentially release iOS 18.1 and other updates next month, possibly in mid-October, and we are expecting major changes in terms of AI features for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. We will keep you updated on the latest, so be sure to stick around.

Everything new in iOS 18.1 developer beta 5

The fifth developer beta of iOS 18.1 introduces minor changes to Control Center. The fifth developer beta of iOS 18.1 is now available for all with updates to the Control Center customization and Camera Control. The iOS Control Center has received some meaningful changes with iOS 18.1 developer beta 5. The update makes it possible to reset the customizable Control Center to its factory default layout and undo any user-made changes. The setting can be found under Settings > Control Center, and is labeled "Reset Control Center." Tapping the new option reverts the Control Center to its factory layout, which contains only the toggles provided when iOS 18 is first installed. By adding a reset option, Apple has made it much easier to undo layout changes. Instead of manually moving individual toggles around in an effort to replicate the default layout, users can simply tap the Reset Control Center option, thereby undoing any unwanted changes. Control Center has also received dedicated connectivity toggles for Wi-Fi and VPN. With previous releases of iOS 18 and iOS 18.1, the toggles for Wi-Fi and VPN were bundled into a separate connectivity section within the Control Center, but now the two toggles can be added as standalone items. While neither the VPN nor the Wi-Fi toggle can be used as Lock Screen toggles, Apple did add a new Quick Note toggle for the Lock Screen. The fifth developer beta of iOS 18.1 also introduces an entirely new shortcut that can be used to open the iOS Control Center. The iPhone Mirroring feature, which lets users mirror their iPhone screen on their Mac, has been updated to allow for a new drag-and-drop feature. The feature lets users easily transfer files between their Mac and iPhone, and vice versa, as long as iPhone Mirroring is active. For the drag-and-drop feature to work seamlessly, both devices need to be running the fifth developer beta of iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, respectively. Transferring a file from Mac to iPhone is pretty straightforward. Users can simply drag a file from the macOS Finder over to the mirrored iPhone. This feature can be used to transfer PDFs or images, for instance, from one device to another. To transfer an image to an iPhone, users can simply drag a photo from macOS and drop it into the Photos app open on the iPhone. Similarly, if the iPhone has the Files app open, users can easily transfer PDFs from a compatible Mac. Items can also be transferred from iPhone to Mac in more or less the same way. Apple's iPhone 16 range features a dedicated Camera Control button, which offers new ways of taking photos and videos without using the iPhone display. iOS 18.1 developer beta 5 introduces a new option for the button, which lets users take selfies with it. To see this new selfie option, users will need to press the Camera Control button and open the Camera app. Swiping over the button lets users choose between the iPhone's different lenses, and select the one they wish to use. A new person-type icon activates the front-facing camera. If the Camera Control button has already been assigned to a different setting, users will need to launch the Camera app, then press the Camera Control button, and tap the screen to change tools. The selfie option and other lens options can be found under the "Camera" heading. The fifth developer beta of iOS 18.1 includes options for the new Hearing Assistance feature on the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds. The feature itself is not enabled by default, but the options for it are hidden within the operating system and can be enabled with some tinkering. Apple has already received FDA approval for its new Hearing Assistance feature, originally mentioned during the company's "Glowtime" event on September 9. This means that the feature could roll out in a future beta of iOS 18.1. While Apple had previously announced the feature, the settings in Monday's iOS 18.1 developer beta were discovered and tested by MacRumors. The new Hearing Assistance function lets users take a five-minute hearing test or upload an audiogram from an audiologist. The feature's description says that Hearing Assistance can help users with mild to moderate hearing loss, while also offering improvements in audio clarity during calls or music playback. The hearing test plays a series of different audio tones of varying frequency and requires that the user tap on the screen if they hear the tone. Upon completion of the hearing test, users are provided with an option to activate the Hearing Assistance feature, which enhances tones and frequencies the user may not be able to hear. It's worth pointing out, though, that the hearing Assistance feature can only serve to help those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Users with severe hearing loss will, unfortunately, still have to rely on their existing hearing aids. In general, the primary focus of the iOS 18.1 update is Apple Intelligence, which lets users edit images and text files, and summarize emails and notifications, all through the use of Apple's generative AI software. Apple Intelligence is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer, or an iPad or Mac computer powered by an M1 or newer chip, though. The Messages app has received a new splash screen for Apple Intelligence. It informs users that Apple Intelligence offers summaries of conversations as well as a new Smart Reply feature, that makes it easier to reply to messages with the help of generative AI. The Notes app has also received a dedicated Apple Intelligence button. Some of the changes within the fifth developer beta of iOS 18.1 are merely minor visual enhancements, with no significant impact. The Settings app has received two such changes -- the settings menu for Apple Intelligence has received a new dark mode icon, while the wallpaper icon in Display Settings has been updated to match the default iOS 18 wallpaper, as opposed to the iOS 17 wallpaper icon used previously. As a whole, the iOS 18.1 developer beta 5 is a relatively minor update, which adds a few useful features and quality-of-life improvements. Future iOS 18 updates are expected to introduce support for additional Apple Intelligence features such as image generation and Visual Intelligence.