Apple Intelligence arrives on iPhone: Writing tools, call recording and six other AI features you can use

Apple Intelligence

Apple’s latest — and rather important — software update for iPhones is here in the form of iOS 18.2. First showcased in June 2024, Apple’s AI features — Apple Intelligence — are now available for users to access. These include Writing Tools, new and improved Siri, and call recording among others.

Do keep in mind that these features will work only if you have the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max

Writing Tools

As the name suggests, Writing Tools allow users to proofread, adjust the tone, or reformat text effortlessly. It works across all standard text fields, making it accessible in Apple’s apps like Notes, Mail, Messages, Safari, and in most third-party apps.

More organised Notifications

This one comes in handy for all those WhatsApp Group notifications. Using Apple Intelligence, priority Notifications appear at the top of the stack to surface what’s most important. Furthermore, there are summaries of notifications which help users scan long or stacked notifications to show key details right on the Lock Screen.

Call recording on iPhone

iPhone users can now finally do call recording. It is available in the Notes and Phone apps. Users can now record, transcribe, and even summarise audio. When a recording is initiated while on a call, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary to help recall key points. In the Notes app, a summary of the audio call is generated.

All-new Siri

According to Apple, Siri is now more natural, more contextually relevant, and more personal, with the ability to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. Siri also has a brand-new design with a glowing light that wraps around the edge of the screen when Siri is active.

Creating Memories in Photos app

Users can now can create custom memories instantly by just typing a description. Using advanced language and image recognition, Apple Intelligence finds the most relevant photos and videos to match your description, organising them into themed chapters. These chapters are then crafted into a movie, complete with its own narrative flow and unique storyline.

Remove unwanted objects/people from photos

Apple’s answer to Google’s Magic Eraser is finally here. Called Clean Up, it removes any unwanted or distracting objects from images. It works quite well.

An all-new way to reduce interruptions

iOS 18.1 brings a new focus mode called Reduce Interruptions. When active, it surfaces only the notifications that might need immediate attention.

AirPods Pro as a hearing aid

iOS 18.1 also bring enhanced hearing health capabilities to AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro will now have over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Using the personalised hearing profile from the Hearing Test, this new feature transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid. However, this feature is not available in India.