Explore Apple Intelligence: How to Experience iOS 18.1 Beta Features Now
In July, it was announced that Apple Intelligence, the brand’s suite of generative AI tools, wouldn’t be included with the initial iOS 18 launch. Instead, it will debut with iOS 18.1 later this fall. However, you don’t have to wait to explore these exciting AI capabilities—there are ways to try them out right now, though with some important considerations.
Recently, Apple released the first public beta for iOS 18.1 after extensive testing of the developer beta for nearly two months. Previously, accessing the developer beta required a $99 annual fee, but Apple has made it available to everyone, allowing anyone interested to install iOS 18.1 on their iPhone, regardless of developer status. Keep in mind, though, that this developer beta is still in progress and may contain bugs or stability issues that haven’t been addressed yet.
If you’re eager to test these new AI features but hesitant about the potential risks of using a developer beta, the public beta is a safer alternative—and it’s now available!
Apple Intelligence: Availability and Important Considerations
Apple Intelligence isn’t universally accessible just yet. There are some crucial caveats: this innovative feature set is currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 series, as well as iPads and Macs equipped with M1 chips or newer. If you own an iPhone 15 or an earlier model, or a device lacking the M-series chip, you won’t be able to access these new capabilities. Moreover, simply installing the iOS 18.1 beta is not sufficient to unlock Apple Intelligence features.
As you might anticipate, this version of Apple Intelligence is still in the early testing phase, which means it won’t include all the features Apple showcased earlier this year. Although you won’t find Genmoji, Image Playground, or ChatGPT integration just yet, several key features are available for testing. By updating to iOS 18.1, you can experiment with Apple’s AI writing tools, explore new AI functionalities in apps like Mail and Photos, enjoy upgraded features in Siri, and use Clean Up, Apple’s answer to Magic Eraser.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that installing iOS 18.1 is inherently risky, given that it’s still in beta. Beta software is under active testing and is not fully polished, which means you may encounter bugs or other issues that could disrupt your regular device usage. Whether you opt for the developer beta or the public beta, you should be aware that it is still a beta version. If you lack a spare Apple device for testing, be sure to back up your iPhone or iPad before proceeding with the iOS 18.1 installation.
Installing Apple Intelligence on Your iPhone
How to Install the Public Beta
If you’re ready to experience Apple Intelligence, start by logging into beta.apple.com with the Apple ID linked to your iPhone. Provided you have a compatible device, navigate to Settings, then select General > Software Update. Allow the page a moment to load, then tap on Beta Updates. Choose iOS 18 Public Beta, and hit Back. When the page reloads, you should see iOS 18.1 Beta listed. From here, select Update Now and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
How to Install the Developer Beta
For those who want to be at the forefront of beta testing, you can opt for the developer beta instead. Start by logging into developer.apple.com with your Apple ID. Assuming you have a compatible iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update. When prompted, select Beta Updates, then tap on iOS 18 Developer Beta. After tapping Back, wait a moment for the page to refresh, and you should see iOS 18.1 Beta available. Tap Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
How to Access and Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist
Once you’ve installed iOS 18.1, return to Settings on your device. You should see an option for Apple Intelligence. Tap on this, then select Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist. When prompted, click Join Waitlist on the pop-up. Keep in mind that there’s no guaranteed timeframe for waitlist approval; you might be granted access immediately, or it could take up to 30 minutes.
