Apple Intelligence and iOS 18.1 reportedly launching on October 28

Apple’s upcoming AI system, Apple Intelligence, which combines on-device machine learning with cloud processing to enhance features like Siri and Writing Tools for smarter, context-aware tasks, is rumored to roll out with iOS 18.1 on October 28, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
In his weekly Power On newsletter, Gurman outlines Apple’s release strategy for Apple Intelligence, noting that while the first version expected with iOS 18.1 will introduce several new features, subsequent updates will continue to enhance its capabilities. For instance, iOS 18.2 is anticipated to bring ChatGPT integration and support for Genmoji custom emojis.
Apple Intelligence will initially be available only on devices set to U.S. English for their region or Siri language settings. Support for additional English dialects, including English (Australia), English (Canada), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa), and English (UK), is expected to be added in December.
With the anticipated iOS 18.1 update, Apple Intelligence is expected to introduce a new Clean Up tool in Photos, which will remove unwanted background elements from images. This feature is designed to allow users to enhance their photos effortlessly by eliminating distractions such as photobombers or irrelevant objects. By simply tapping, circling, or brushing over the undesired elements, users should be able to achieve cleaner and more visually appealing images while maintaining the integrity of the main subjects.
Another significant enhancement is the introduction of Smart Replies for emails and messages. This feature is expected to analyze incoming communications and suggest contextually relevant responses, making it easier to reply quickly and appropriately. Additionally, iOS 18.1 is rumored to streamline group chat management by summarizing multiple message notifications on the Lock Screen, allowing users to stay updated on conversations without feeling overwhelmed by notifications.
iOS 18.1 is also expected to enhance productivity with features like the ability to summarize long emails and web articles. Users should be able to generate concise overviews of lengthy messages or articles with a simple tap, helping them prioritize their responses and grasp essential information without reading everything in detail. Together, these anticipated features contribute to a smarter and more intuitive iPhone experience, powered by advanced on-device machine learning and large language models.