Apple Unveils iOS 18.1 Beta with Apple Intelligence Features
Overview of iOS 18.1 Release
Apple Intelligence Launches in iOS 18.1 Beta, Offering Call Recording and Transcription Apple has confirmed that its new Apple Intelligence suite will not debut with the September release of the iPhone 16 series. Instead, these features will be introduced in October with the update to iOS 18.1. Today marks the release of the first developer beta for iOS 18.1, bringing the initial glimpse of Apple Intelligence capabilities.

Key Features in iOS 18.1
The iOS 18.1 update introduces several new features, enhancing user experience across various applications. Here’s a summary of what to expect:
- Writing Tools
Enhanced tools for text composition and editing across Messages, Notes, Mail, Pages, and other apps. - Siri’s New Look
A refreshed Siri interface featuring a glowing border around the screen and a new option for typing interactions. - Transcript Summaries
Summarization of transcripts and other content for quick insights. - Mail Enhancements
New categories and smart reply options in the Mail app. - Smart Replies in Messages
Improved suggestions for quick replies in Messages. - Call Recording and Transcribing
Ability to record and transcribe phone calls, with notifications for all participants, and audio saved to the Notes app.

How to Access iOS 18.1 Beta
To use the iOS 18.1 features, developers must join a waitlist via the Settings app. Currently, the wait is minimal for the developer beta, but a public beta is expected to take longer, likely extending into October.
Details of Call Recording and Transcribing Feature iOS 18.1
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Activation | Tap the record button in the top left corner during a call. |
Notification | All call participants receive an audible message indicating recording. |
Storage | Recorded audio is saved to the Notes app. |
Playback | Re-listen to the call, view the full transcript, and get a summary. |
Anticipated Timeline
- Developer Beta: Available now.
- Public Beta: Expected in the coming weeks, with a general release likely in October.
Summary
The iOS 18.1 update marks a significant expansion of Apple’s feature set, introducing Apple Intelligence with tools designed to enhance productivity and communication. The inclusion of call recording and transcribing adds a valuable functionality, making it easier for users to manage and review their conversations. Keep an eye out for the public beta release to experience these new features firsthand.