iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 Brings Apple Intelligence to the Messages App

iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 began rolling out to eligible iPhone models on Monday. It builds on features Apple introduced in previous developer and public beta updates, adding new toggles to Control Center and an option to reset the layout to the default iOS configuration. Apple Intelligence — the company’s suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features — is now available in the company’s Messages app, with new ways to quickly respond to chats and get message summaries.

iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 update features

One of the most notable highlights of the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 update is the introduction of Apple Intelligence to Messages. iPhone users beta testing the latest build will be able to see a summary of each of their unread conversations. Meanwhile, a new smart replies option lets them choose an appropriate quick response to messages.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has added a dedicated Apple Intelligence option to the Notes app. After the update, users can now access AI-powered writing tools, such as proofreading and rewriting, without having to select the text and choose the writing tools option from the floating menu.

The update also brings new dedicated toggles that can be added to the Control Center. These include Wi-Fi and VPN toggles. If users don’t like their custom Control Center layout, they can reset it with a new setting that can be accessed by navigating to Settings and then Control Center.

Apple also expanded the availability of Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging with the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 update. It is now supported on Telenet, Proximus, and BASE telecommunications providers in Belgium, and TracFone and C Spire in the US. When using iPhone mirroring with a Mac, users can now drag and drop files between devices, improving interoperability. However, this feature requires iPhone and Mac to be running iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, respectively.

Other changes include a new Dark Mode icon for Apple Intelligence in Settings, a custom icon for the Apple Watch app, and other user interface (UI) changes.