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Apple has released developer beta versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia with the first elements of Apple Intelligence.
This early implementation includes a subset of the generative AI features, including device-wide writing assistance, the updated Siri design (with a typing option), transcript summaries, and smarter conversations in Mail and Messages.
The developer beta doesn’t include the ChatGPT tie-in, image generation, priority notifications, or advanced Siri features like screen context awareness and specific app commands.
In addition to requiring a developer account, these beta releases also require hardware that can run Apple Intelligence. You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or else an iPad or Mac with at least an M1 chip. You’ll also have to sign up for a waiting list to get access, although the wait isn’t long as of this writing.
It’s not known if there will be public betas of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS with Apple Intelligence built-in. However, this comes as?Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has claimed that the AI won’t reach users until October. The 18.1 version number supports this claim — it suggests that the software launching with new iPhones (presumably in September) won’t have any Apple Intelligence features.
Apple has reportedly pushed back the new technology to ensure that it’s polished when it reaches everyday users. That’s not surprising given that AI can be prone to “hallucinations” and other mistakes, but it may be frustrating to customers expecting the feature out of the box.
The company is expected to stagger the release of Apple Intelligence features. The full Siri functionality might not be ready until 2025. If so, customers may be buying more on the promise than the practical reality.
