iOS 18.1 finally brings Apple Intelligence, Sleep Apnea detection, and more updates
Here’s a closer look at what’s coming your way.
Building on last month’s iOS 18 release, this beta offers a taste of Apple’s new AI-driven, personalized vision for iOS.
And with the official launch expected on October 28, users won’t have to wait long to experience the next level of intelligence and connectivity that Apple has lined up.
Here’s a closer look at what’s coming your way.
First look at Apple Intelligence features
This beta introduces foundational Apple Intelligence features that aim to make iOS more intuitive. New tools like Smart Replies in Mail, enhanced message summarization, and natural language search in the App Store are small but effective steps toward a smoother experience.
According to Techloy’s roadmap, these AI enhancements are only the beginning; upcoming updates promise features like Image Playground and Clean Up, which will push iOS even further into the generative AI space, challenging Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot.
To ease users into these tools, Apple has also added splash screens in apps like Mail and the App Store, showcasing the new Apple Intelligence functionalities.
Sleep apnea detection is finally here with an improved control center
Wellness is at the core of this update, with sleep apnea detection now finally accessible for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 running on watchOS 11. This feature monitors nighttime breathing patterns, notifying users of irregularities based on 30-day data analysis.
The Control Center also sees a significant upgrade in iOS 18.1 Beta 6, expanding on changes introduced in Beta 5. Where Beta 5 brought individual toggles for Wi-Fi and VPN and a reset option in System Settings, Beta 6 builds on this by making Satellite and AirDrop available as standalone toggles for the first time.
They join existing options like Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, and Personal Hotspot, allowing users to truly tailor Control Center to their needs. Measure and Level toggles also join the mix, giving users quicker access to these tools with just a tap.
Kelechi Edeh
More social sharing and audio flexibility for AirPods Pro
In line with social trends, Apple has introduced a new sharing option for Apple Music, letting users post songs directly to TikTok. This update brings Apple Music a bit closer to today’s social media scene, allowing music lovers to share their favourites more easily.
AirPods Pro also get a boost with iOS 18.1 Beta 6. A new splash screen for Loud Sound Reduction introduces a more adaptive listening experience, allowing configuration across Noise Cancellation, Adaptive, and Transparency modes.
The splash screen also highlights improved voice clarity, ensuring that your calls and recordings sound even better—a thoughtful improvement that adds flexibility and comfort to the AirPods Pro experience.
With iOS 18.1 Beta 6, Apple is laying down the groundwork for an iOS experience that’s responsive, connected, and AI-powered. The October 28 public release promises to deliver these features widely, giving users a glimpse into Apple’s evolving strategy for a more intuitive operating system.
And as future updates unfold, Apple’s gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence and new wellness features could position iOS 18 as a personalized, connected ecosystem, ready to adapt to the needs of the users.
Louis Eriakha
