iOS 18.1, macOS 15.1 arrived: Apple Intelligence, AirPods hearing aid, bug fixes
The first major update for iOS 18 & Co. is the starting signal for Apple's AI. The manufacturer is also turning AirPods Pro into a hearing aid.
(Image: nikkimeel/Shutterstock.com)
Important updates for the latest Apple operating systems: iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 are now available to download for iPhones, iPads and Macs. The biggest innovation is the launch of Apple Intelligence: AI integration is now available as a beta, but only in English for now and officially only on macOS in the EU. The Apple Intelligence functions can only be activated on iPhones and iPads in Germany via a workaround; Apple only plans to offer them in iOS and iPadOS in this country in April 2025.
Hearing test and AirPods hearing aid
iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 include a new, clinically validated hearing test function that can be used with AirPods Pro 2. For mild to moderate hearing loss, the in-ears can then be configured as a hearing aid. It is designed to make outside noises and conversations easier to understand – and can also adjust the sound output of the devices, for example for phone calls or audio content.
Apple promises minor improvements, including individual Wi-Fi and Airdrop controls for the Control Center. Support for RCS Business Messaging and search input in natural language in the App Store is also new.
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Apple Intelligence as beta, bug fixes
Apple Intelligence offers AI tools for spell-checking and post-editing texts at launch, and summaries can also be created – of emails and new messages. In the Photos app, users will receive an AI eraser to make it easier to remove unwanted image content. New photo/video reviews can also be created using a text command.
iOS 18.1 addresses other issues, including a bug in Apple's Podcasts app that marks unplayed episodes as already listened to. The manufacturer promises that videos recorded in 4K at 60 fps can be played smoothly again, even if the iPhone has warmed up. The update is also intended to resolve an annoying problem with digital car keys: after restoring from a backup or moving to a new iPhone, the stored key sometimes loses its function and can no longer open or start the car. Apple has also released watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1 and visionOS 2.1 at the same time; all updates are also likely to fix security vulnerabilities. Details have not yet been released.
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