The release of iOS 18.1 is imminent. A big update which does not only bring Apple Intelligence and is therefore not without interest for us Europeans.
iOS 18.1 is scheduled to roll out on October 28 or 29. This is a major update for Apple since it is the one that has the difficult task of deploying Apple Intelligence… but not here.
The Digital Markets Act, built to protect users of digital systems, blocks the deployment of Apple Intelligence in Europe for the moment. At best, we will be entitled to it in 2025, officially. Unofficially, we can already install it, but by making some sacrifices.
Presumably, Apple could launch Apple Intelligence in Europe, and in France, in parallel with the iPhone SE 4 or WWDC 2025, i.e. in the second quarter of next year.
To go further
It’s the big week of Apple announcements: here’s what we’re waiting for
The new features of iOS 18.1 to which we are entitled in France
But in the meantime, iOS 18.1 brings a few new features that we list here.
- We have a more fluid control center which can be reset to default (via Settings > Control center). It gains a few additional buttons including one dedicated to Wi-Fi, whereas it was only available in the networks insert.
- RCS for commercial messages. This allows brands to implement text-based customer service in the Messages app. RCS is only available from SFR for the moment.
- Ability to record phone calls by pressing a dedicated button on the call screen. The recording is declared to the interlocutors. It is then stored in Notes. Apple Intelligence will allow it to be summarized a posteriori.
- The new Camera button on the iPhone 16 can assign its primary function (1 click) to direct access to the selfie sensor.
- iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro access Mode Spatial of iPhone 16 which allows you to record photos and videos to view them in the Apple Vision Pro.
- Easier to change iCloud email address via the Settings app.
Without Apple Intelligence, the list is quite short. But let’s remember that Apple’s AI ultimately only affects the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. Previous generations, still completely current, are not entitled to it and never will be entitled to it.
iOS 18.1 weighs just over 7 GB in its latest beta.
