Five Reasons to Update to iOS 18.1 Besides Apple Intelligence

iOS 18.1 is a big release for iPhone users, primarily because of Apple Intelligence. But what if you don’t have an AI-compatible iPhone, are in the EU or China, or just don’t care much about AI? Here are five reasons to update to iOS 18.1 anyway.

Record calls in the Phone app

iOS 18.1 adds a new built-in feature for recording calls inside the Phone app. There is no need to install a separate third-party recording app anymore. Just tap the new icon in the upper left corner of the screen during a call, and your caller will be notified that recording has started. Once the call is over, iOS provides a transcript for your convenience.

Powerful New Features of AirPods Pro 2

AirPods Pro 2 are getting a big update in iOS 18.1 with the addition of three hearing screening features: Hearing Check, Hearing Protection, and Hearing Aid. Apple says the vast majority of users haven’t had a hearing test recently, and now in iOS 18.1, you can get one without the need for additional equipment or a medical bill. These healthcare additions could really make a difference in users’ lives.

New Control Center Toggles

iOS 18 introduced a fully customizable Control Center with a huge number of controls available. iOS 18.1 adds to that list of options. There are new controls for the Measure app, but perhaps what users will appreciate most are the new standalone connectivity controls for AirDrop, Satellite, VPN, and Wi-Fi. You can now also reset Control Center to factory settings.

Apple Music enhancements

Apple Music is getting two new features in iOS 18.1: TikTok sharing and a customizable iPad tab bar. The former lets you easily share music on TikTok, just like you’ve long been able to do with Instagram. The latter is a handy tool for creating shortcuts to your most-used sections, playlists, and folders in the iPadOS Music app.

Major security fixes

Apple always includes a variety of security updates with its new software releases, and iOS 18.1 is no exception. The latest software release adds security fixes for vulnerabilities that affect Siri, Safari’s private browsing and downloads, the Shortcuts app, and more. Here's the full list of security updates.

iOS 18.1 Overview

There's a lot more to enjoy in iOS 18.1. Chief among those additions, of course, are the included Apple Intelligence features. But there are also a few additional non-AI features, and even a bunch of bug fixes.

Have you updated to iOS 18.1? What are your favorite additions? Let us know in the comments.