Top 5 New AI-Driven Features in Apple iOS
Apple’s iOS 18.1 update introduces a suite of artificial intelligence features exclusively available on iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. These tools, ranging from advanced writing assistance to enhanced notification management, are designed to improve productivity and streamline daily tasks for iPhone users. Below is an in-depth look at each new feature:
Writing Tools
The Writing Tools feature in iOS 18.1 offers AI-driven assistance across various applications, including Mail, Notes, and Messages, enhancing the way users draft, edit, and format their text. This toolset includes:
Also Read:
- Proofreading: The AI can review and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling in selected passages, helping users refine their writing without relying on third-party applications.
- Summarization: This functionality condenses lengthy text into key bullet points, making it easier to extract essential information and communicate more effectively.
- Tone Adjustment: Users can change the tone of their writing to suit professional or casual contexts, enabling a more polished or friendly tone as needed.
The Writing Tools feature is aimed at streamlining written communication and enhancing clarity, helping users craft precise and contextually appropriate messages effortlessly.
Message Summaries
The Message Summaries feature in the Messages app allows users to get quick overviews of lengthy conversations without having to scroll through each message. Ideal for users managing high volumes of messages, this AI functionality distills detailed text exchanges into concise summaries. For instance, a long conversation about a sports game could be summarized as “Enjoyed the Chiefs game,” capturing the essence of the discussion without overwhelming details.
Message Summaries is particularly beneficial for professionals, busy individuals, or anyone who needs to stay updated on conversations at a glance. By providing a quick summary, it helps users stay informed without the distraction of lengthy message threads.
Photos App Clean Up Tool
The Clean Up Tool in the Photos app introduces an intelligent way to edit photos by removing unwanted elements from the background. Positioned alongside traditional photo-editing features, this AI tool can detect and highlight unnecessary objects or distractions in a photo, allowing users to erase them for a cleaner look.
Though the tool performs well from a distance, closer inspection may reveal minor inconsistencies, reflecting the ongoing development of Apple’s photo editing AI. The Clean Up Tool is ideal for users who want to enhance their images without needing advanced photo-editing skills, offering an easy way to achieve polished results.
Email Summarization and Smart Replies
In the Mail app, Apple has incorporated Email Summarization and Smart Replies, designed to make email management more efficient. Key features include:
- Email Summarization: The AI distills long email threads into brief summaries, capturing essential details like who, what, when, and where. For example, an email invitation to a restaurant event could be condensed to “Invitation for Jasmine’s 4th anniversary celebration.”
- Smart Replies: This functionality offers pre-composed responses based on email content, allowing users to respond quickly with options like “I’ll be there for Jasmine’s anniversary celebration,” without drafting a message from scratch.
These features simplify email interactions, making it easier to stay responsive without spending excessive time on lengthy messages.
Reduce Interruptions Mode
The Reduce Interruptions Mode is Apple’s latest approach to managing notifications, giving users greater control over their alert preferences. Similar to Focus modes, this feature allows users to:
- Customize Notification Preferences: Select specific people or apps from whom they wish to receive alerts, filtering out non-essential notifications.
- Emergency Notifications: While standard alerts are minimized, urgent messages—those marked with certain keywords or flagged as high-priority—will still generate alerts, ensuring users don’t miss critical information.
This feature is particularly useful for professionals and students, or anyone needing uninterrupted focus while still remaining reachable for emergencies. By providing a nuanced approach to notifications, Reduce Interruptions Mode helps users maintain productivity and minimize distractions.
Getting Started with Apple Intelligence Features
To use these AI features, eligible iPhone users need to:
- Update to iOS 18.1: Ensure that the device is running the latest version of iOS.
- Enroll in the Waitlist: Navigate to the Settings app and sign up for the Apple Intelligence waitlist.
- Access the Features: Once approved, users will gain access to the AI tools across their apps.
Apple is also offering additional support for users interested in these features. Store employees have been trained to provide demonstrations, helping customers understand the full capabilities of each tool. A dedicated Tips widget is available on eligible iPhones, providing helpful insights on maximizing the benefits of the new software.
