Apple set to release iOS 18.1 featuring Apple Intelligence next week

As speculated earlier, the launch of the iOS 18.1 update has been officially announced for next week, coinciding with the introduction of enhanced hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2. This update is particularly remarkable for incorporating the inaugural Apple Intelligence functionalities tailored for select iPhones. Reviewers from major publications, including The Verge, have had the opportunity to explore these new hearing health options on the AirPods Pro 2, confirming the upcoming update scheduled for release next week.

This update introduces three significant features aimed at enhancing hearing health, featuring advanced, clinical-grade hearing aid capabilities. Users will benefit from tools that allow hearing assessments via the headphones, along with improved protective measures suited for environments such as concerts and live events.

The AirPods Pro 2’s hearing aid functionality activates after a user undergoes a hearing test. If results indicate hearing impairment, the device can optimize sound amplification in real time. Furthermore, the hearing protection aspect will monitor ambient noise levels continuously, mitigating the effects of prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Notably, this feature received FDA approval in September, shortly after its announcement.

In addition to the hearing enhancements, the iOS 18.1 update will introduce the first Apple Intelligence functionalities for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 series. New capabilities will encompass tools for writing, summarizing texts and notifications, a photo cleanup utility, and smart replies for both emails and messages. More functionalities unveiled at WWDC, including an updated Siri with ChatGPT integration, are set to be released at an unspecified future date.

However, several models compatible with iOS 18.1 will not receive Apple Intelligence features in Monday’s update. The specific models affected include:

• iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd generation)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone Xs & Xs Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

Source: The Verge

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