Apple released iOS 18.1, its latest update for newer iPhones which includes the first public version of its long-awaited Apple Intelligence AI software.

The first wave of Apple Intelligence is a critical crossroads for the iPhone manufacturer as it seeks to catch up to AI-enabled devices from Google, Samsung and others.

Apple teased the AI software in September when it unveiled its iPhone 16 smartphones, but noted Apple Intelligence would rollout in phases.

It is now available through a software update on all iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro. It also works on older Macs and iPads equipped with an M1 chip or newer.

With iOS 18.1, macOS 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence is available in the US and other countries where the language is set to US English. It stated Mac users in the European Union currently also have access, with a deployment for iPhone and iPad users due to begin in April 2025.

Deployments of localised versions of English are scheduled to begin in December, with other languages to be added from April 2025.

Apple CEO Tim Cook stated “Apple Intelligence is generative AI in a way that only Apple can deliver and we’re incredibly excited about its ability to enrich our users’ lives”.

The first iteration includes tools which can proofread, rewrite text and provide summaries.

It can also remove unwanted objects from photos and search old albums by describing the content.

Apple Intelligence can summarise stack notifications such as chats or news alerts into a single message.

The software creates an edge-lit glow on iPhones whenever Siri is used and the ability to double tap the home indicator to type instead of using voice commands.

Apple stated Siri’s new features include an ability to better understand garbled words and a feature which maintains context from one message to the next.

The company plans to release more AI features and tools in the next software update, scheduled for release in December.

iMac update
Apple updated the iMac with its M4 chip.

The new iMac includes an eight-core CPU and up to a ten-core GPU. The entry-level model costs $1,299 with two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, while the higher-end models start at $1,499 and have four ports.

Apple stated the M4 chip is up to 1.7-times faster for daily productivity than a machine with its M1 chip, and 2.1-times on heavy workflows including photo editing and gaming.