Apple has rolled out iOS 18.1 beta 3, which may be the last beta before the Release Candidate (RC) versions are launched following the September 9 iPhone event.
This new beta version brings various updates and changes, particularly to Apple Intelligence.
New Features in iOS 18.1 Beta 3
Clean Up in Photos
The Photos app now includes a new Apple Intelligence feature called “Clean Up,” which allows users to easily remove unwanted objects from images.
By selecting the Clean Up option within the photo editor, you can tap, brush, or circle the object you want to remove.
- The feature offers greater precision through pinch-to-pan and zoom options.
- It also detects human faces, allowing users to obscure them for privacy.
- Apple Intelligence even highlights objects you may want to remove, enabling quick removal with just a tap.
AI Notification Summaries for All Apps
The iOS 18.1 beta 3 expands the notification summaries feature to all apps, beyond just Messages and Mail.
- This feature provides a summary of full messages or conversations instead of unhelpful excerpts.
- Users can manually select which apps to receive summaries from or opt to turn them on or off entirely.
Removal of US Region Restriction
Previously, Apple Intelligence was limited to US English and required setting the device region to the US. With iOS 18.1 beta 3, this restriction is removed.
As long as the device language is set to US English, users can access Apple Intelligence regardless of their location. However, this feature remains unavailable in the EU and China due to regulatory issues.
New Setup Walkthrough
After installing iOS 18.1 beta 3, users will encounter a new setup walkthrough.
- This includes screens asking for consent to use various iOS 18.1 features, with an overview of Apple Intelligence, notification summaries, and the new Siri.
- Users can choose to configure these features immediately or later.
Enhanced Tab Bar Support in iPadOS 18
iPadOS 18’s new tab bar implementation has received mixed reviews, but Apple is making improvements in iPadOS 18.1.
The latest beta adds versatility to the tab bar with options like adding playlists and folders in Apple Music, and individual publications in Apple News.
These enhancements are expected to offer a better user experience, potentially appearing in the iOS 18 RC version.
Availability
The iOS 18.1 beta is primarily for developers, but is available for anyone registered on Apple’s developer website. To use Apple Intelligence, an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max is required.
Alongside the iOS beta, Apple also released new Apple Intelligence betas for iPad (iPadOS 18.1) and Mac (macOS 15.1).