Apple suppliers may turn to China after fire damages Tata’s iPhone plant in India. (Photo: Reuters)

Apple rolls out iOS 18.1 beta updates for iPhone: Check out new features

Apple has introduced the latest iOS 18.1 beta update for iPhones, offering a range of new features and improvements.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Apple has finally rolled out the iOS 18.1 beta update
  • It brings a range of new features and improvements

Apple has introduced the latest iOS 18.1 beta update for iPhones, offering a range of new features and improvements. This update follows closely behind iOS 18.0.1, the first stable release of the operating system launched last month. Here is everything you need to know about iOS 18.1.

iOS 18.1 update released: Features

A key highlight of iOS 18.1 is the addition of two new toggles in the Control Centre for AirDrop and Satellite, making these functions more accessible. Previously located in the Connectivity section, users can now place these features directly in the Control Centre. The update also brings new tools like Measure and Level, adding more functionality for day-to-day use.

Apple has also refined the Notification Summaries feature, now displaying the number of notifications next to the stack on the lock screen. This change, supported by Apple’s AI, aims to make it easier for users to manage their notifications efficiently.

For music lovers, iOS 18.1 enables direct sharing of Apple Music tracks on TikTok, simplifying the process of sharing songs with friends via social media. A significant health feature in the update is the Sleep Apnea detection tool, which Apple previewed with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 10. iPhone users will now be able to monitor breathing patterns during sleep and receive alerts if signs of Sleep Apnea are detected. These notifications can be managed in the Health app.

Additionally, Apple has enhanced search functionality in the App Store with natural language processing. This allows users to search for apps more effectively using descriptive tags, improving overall app discovery.

The iOS 18.1 beta is available to developers and public beta testers, with compatibility across all devices that received iOS 18, maintaining Apple's wide-ranging support for its hardware.