iOS 18.1 is the first iOS 18 update with Apple Intelligence features, and much of the coverage of the new software has focused on it. If you don’t have an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, you’re probably wondering what’s in this update.
Apple Intelligence makes up the bulk of the new features, but even if you have an older device, you’ll get some solid improvements.
call recording
With iOS 18.1, you can record any call you make and save the audio to the Notes app. The Notes app automatically generates call records and allows you to search them.
To use call recording, simply tap the small audio waveform icon in the top left during a call. Calls cannot be secretly recorded. All participants will be notified through an automated message that a recording is in progress.
Recorded calls are saved in the Notes app. You can play the entire call, get a transcript, or use the transcript to search for specific parts of the call. Transcripts are automatically generated and searchable.
Call recording requires iPhone 12 or later. This is also the minimum device requirement for the related functionality of saving voice memos and retrieving transcripts in the Notes app.
Transcripts are currently available in English (US, Australia), Spanish (US, Mexico), Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Hong Kong), and Korean (South Korea).
Features of AirPods
If you have AirPods Pro 2, you have access to all the new hearing health features available in iOS 18.1. This includes a hearing test to check for hearing loss and the option to use AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid if mild to moderate hearing loss is detected.
AirPods Pro 2 can also be used to protect your hearing, allowing you to hear and minimize loud sounds around you, such as construction noise and shouting. It is effective for sustained sounds above 110 decibels, but not for explosive sounds such as gunshots, fireworks, and jackhammers.
As long as you have AirPods Pro 2, the latest AirPods Pro 2 firmware (now available), and a device capable of running iOS 18 (or iPad with iPadOS 18), you can use hearing tests, hearing aids, and hearing protection features. ability.
Search the App Store
The App Store now supports natural language search, making it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. Some of the searches currently available:
- A fun new game to play
- App for learning new skills
- Apps to help with physics homework
- Games to compete with friends
- cooking games for kids
- best game in the world
- Apps integrated with HealthKit
- A game with roguelike elements
- Games that can be played without Wi-Fi
- App for selling things
- App to watch movies for free
Small new features
There are some other small feature tweaks that are worth knowing about.
- control center – Add standalone buttons for AirDrop and Satellite, as well as Control Center controls for measurements and levels.
- Apple Music – You can share Apple Music songs to TikTok directly.
- wallet – The Wallet app will no longer display your savings account balance on the main Apple Card screen and you will need to tap the screen to retrieve the information.
Bug fixes
In addition to these features, there are also some bug fixes.
- podcast – Unplayed podcast episodes will no longer be marked as played.
- photograph – No longer stutters when scrubbing 4K 60fps videos in the Photos app.
- car key – If you were having issues with your car’s digital key not starting or passive unlock not unlocking your vehicle, the update should resolve your issue.
What to look forward to next
Apple is currently testing iOS 18.2, and once again the main focus is on the “Apple Intelligence” feature. However, there are some other changes you can look forward to beyond AI, including a completely new look for the Mail app with built-in classification capabilities, and a new interface for setting default apps to replace Apple’s own apps.
