Apple launches Siri Suggestions feature in new iOS 18.1 developer beta

Apple released the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 4 update for iPhone on Tuesday. Similar to previous Beta updates, the fourth developer beta introduces a new feature designed to enhance the functionality of Apple’s voice assistant Siri. It also fixes several known issues involving Spotlight, Siri, and other operating system (OS) elements. Notably, Apple said that the iOS 18.1 update for iPhone will be launched next month and it will bring several important artificial intelligence (AI) features that the company previewed at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 4 Update Features

According to Apple’s release notes, iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 4 brings a standout feature: enhanced Siri typing capabilities. This feature was first introduced in a previous developer beta update, and it allows users to talk to Siri by typing instead of speaking. According to Apple’s latest software update, the voice assistant will now display suggestions while typing.

Typing Siri Suggestions in iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 4

It also brings call recording and transcription capabilities to older iPhone models, MacRumors reports. Prior to the update, the feature was said to be limited to iPhone 15 Pro models. The feature can be triggered by tapping the new icon in the upper left corner of the screen. All users will be notified of the start of the recording through a voice message. Once completed, the call recording and its transcription will be saved in the Notes app.

Apple’s latest updated version number for the iPhone 16 series is 22B5045h, and the version number for iPhone 15 and previous models is 22B5045g.

In addition to the new changes, the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 4 update also includes features introduced by previous updates. The most notable highlight is Apple Intelligence – the company’s AI suite. It includes a cleanup tool that, as the name suggests, uses Apple’s AI model to remove unwanted objects, backgrounds, or text from images. It also bundles writing tools with options to change the tone of text, summarize text, or generate lists. Another new addition is the ability to summarize web pages on Safari when the reader view is enabled.