Here's the roadmap for Apple Intelligence features coming to iPhones
Apple's first batch of its AI features will be introduced with the iOS 18.1 update, scheduled for release in October. These advanced capabilities will be compatible with iPhone 15 Pro models and all iPhone 16 variants. Initially, users will need to set their device and Siri language to US English to access these features. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has revealed a detailed list of features and release timeframe for the upcoming updates. Take a look.
What new features will iOS 18.1 bring?
The iOS 18.1 update is set to enhance Siri's capabilities, particularly in understanding follow-up requests and handling speech errors. It will also introduce writing tools for text rewriting, summarizing, and proofreading. Notification summaries for various apps like Messages and Mail are part of this update, along with suggested replies within these apps. A new "Clean Up" tool in the Photos app will allow users to remove unwanted elements from images using AI technology.
Additional features in first iteration
The iOS 18.1 update will also enable users to create a Memories movie in the Photos app by simply typing a description. It will introduce phone call recording and transcription, as well as a new Focus mode called "Reduce Interruptions" that prioritizes important notifications.
iOS 18.2 to introduce Image Playground and Genmoji
Apple is currently testing iOS 18.2 internally, with plans for release in December, when Apple Intelligence will be made available in localized English for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and UK. This version is expectred to introduce two Apple Intelligence features: Image Playground and Genmoji. The former will allow users to generate unique images within their apps, while the latter will help create custom emoji directly from the keyboard.
ChatGPT integration and future updates
Apple also plans to integrate ChatGPT with Siri by year-end, likely coinciding with iOS 18.2 release. With user permission, Siri will be able to display ChatGPT responses to queries and prompts. This feature will also be integrated into Apple's system-wide Writing Tools, allowing users to generate text and images. Apple says ChatGPT will use OpenAI's latest GPT-4o model on its platforms.
Some AI features for Siri may debut in iOS 18.3
iOS 18.3 is expected to be a minor update expected to arrive in January, but it's uncertain whether it will introduce any new Apple Intelligence features. In his Power On newsletter, Gurman notes that some of Intelligence's new Siri features are "in consideration" for iOS 18.3 update. However, the most significant update after iOS 18.1 will be iOS 18.4 which is expected in March 2025 with many new Siri features including personal context, on-screen awareness, and more precised per-app controls.
