Apple
iOS 18.1 Beta 4 Now Rolling Out with Improved Type to Siri Suggestions for Smoother Experience
Earlier this week Apple started rolling out iOS 18 and now the focus shifts to the upcoming iOS 18.1 (and iPadOS 18.1). The biggest change in this update is the introduction of Apple Intelligence a new set of AI-powered features which was not ready in time for the iPhone 16-series launch. The first batch of these AI features is expected to be available in October, except for users in the EU or China where the timeline is uncertain.
Apple has now reached the fourth round of betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Beta versions of watchOS 11.1 tvOS 18.1, and VisionOS 2.1 are also starting beta testing.
Apple Intelligence is still in development. Some features are ready, while others will come in future updates. This AI technology works only on iPhone 15 Pro, the four iPhone 16 models and plus iPads and Macs with Apple silicon.
In Beta 4, a new feature for Type to Siri introduces autocomplete suggestions that update in real-time as you type. The new enhancement uses AI-powered suggestions, meaning Siri can now predict what you’re trying to say based on what you’ve typed so far. As you type, suggestions pop up that help you complete the sentence or phrase faster, improving efficiency and making interactions with Siri quicker and smoother. This update refines the experience by speeding up communication without requiring you to type full commands.
Other AI-powered tools include writing assistance across the system, object removal from photos, and the ability to generate images from text prompts.
As always it’s important to note that beta software is not recommended for daily use as it can have known and unknown bugs. Unless you are a developer interested in testing these new AI features, it’s better to wait for the official release in October.
Apple is reportedly testing two new color options for its upcoming iPhone 17. According to a recent report, the company is working on Purple and Green versions of the regular iPhone 17. However, it seems that only one of these colors will be released. For now, Purple is said to be the leading choice.
In addition to this, Apple is also said to be considering a new Sky Blue color for the iPhone 17 Pro. This is likely aimed at bringing a fresh look to the Pro lineup.
While new colors always catch the attention of iPhone fans, many are even more excited about the expected display upgrades. Reports earlier this month suggested that both the iPhone 17 and the rumored iPhone 17 Air (which may replace the Plus model) will finally get 120Hz displays. However, these models are not expected to include ProMotion features, which will continue to be limited to the Pro versions.
Stay tuned as more details about the iPhone 17 series are likely to surface in the coming months.
Apple is set to launch a new iPhone SE next year, according to multiple rumors. The last iPhone SE was released in 2022, so this update has been long-awaited. However, a new rumor suggests that the name might change. Instead of being called the iPhone SE, the new model could be named the iPhone 16E.
This would bring the SE series closer to the main iPhone family in terms of branding. Until now, the SE line has felt separate and often overlooked.
Above can be seen purported protective case design for the iPhone 16E. The iPhone 16E is rumored to come in only two colors: white and black. Its design is said to resemble the iPhone 14. For the first time, it will feature an OLED screen and Face ID, which feels surprising in late 2024.
Pricing rumors suggest the iPhone 16E will cost $499, a $70 increase over its predecessor. While pricier, the device promises significant improvements. It is rumored to include an A18 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and a 48 MP main camera borrowed from the iPhone 16. These enhancements make the price bump seem reasonable, especially for those wanting an iPhone at a more affordable price point.
If you’ve ever had issues like boot loops or a bricked iPhone, you may know that the only solution is to connect it to a PC or Mac to restore its firmware using iTunes. But now, according to a report from 9to5Mac, the new iPhone 16 models will allow users to restore their software wirelessly through a feature called RecoveryOS. This new feature will help iPhone 16s to restore wirelessly from another iPhone or iPad running iOS 18/iPadOS 18.
RecoveryOS has been available for Apple Watch and Apple TV for some time, but Apple is now bringing this feature to its most popular product — the iPhone. If your iPhone 16 is having firmware problems, you can place it on top of another iPhone or iPad (connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), and the device will download and transfer the latest iOS version wirelessly to fix the issue of the affected device.
The iPhone 16 models are expected to come with a special recovery partition. This partition will manage the restoration process, even if the main iOS system is not working. It’s still unclear if RecoveryOS requires new hardware or whether this feature will eventually be available on older iPhone and iPad models.