Apple has officially announced that iOS 18.1 will be released to the public next week, coinciding with a significant firmware update for AirPods Pro 2 users.
This new iOS version will introduce the first batch of Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools, notification summaries, and a Clean Up option in the Photos app. In addition to these innovations, the update will also include various non-Apple Intelligence enhancements.
Both The Verge and The Wall Street Journal have confirmed that the hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 will debut next week alongside the iOS 18.1 update. While Apple had previously indicated that iOS 18.1 would arrive in October, this announcement provides the first concrete confirmation that the update is expected during the week of October 28.
Although Apple has not specified an exact launch date for iOS 18.1, Bloomberg has reported that it is anticipated to roll out on October 28.
Besides the introduction of Apple Intelligence and new hearing health capabilities for AirPods Pro 2, iOS 18.1 will also feature updates to the Control Center, enhancements to iPhone Mirroring, and new call recording and transcription functionalities. Notably, this update will mark the first time Apple opens the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party developers, expanding opportunities for app integration and innovation.