Apple has rolled out iOS 18.1, delivering a range of highly anticipated features aimed at enhancing user experience on iPhones. A highlight of the update is the new call recording feature, meeting one of users’ most requested enhancements. Now, iPhone users can easily record phone calls with an added layer of convenience from Apple Intelligence, which offers real-time transcription during calls.

How to Enable Call Recording

To enable call recording, users need to update their device to iOS 18.1 via Settings > Software Update. Once updated, recording a call is straightforward:

1. Start or answer a call.
2. Tap the record button in the top left corner during an active call.
3. A notification will alert all participants that the call is being recorded, ensuring transparency.

Recordings are automatically saved in the Voice Notes app, where users can access them anytime. Additionally, Apple Intelligence provides a real-time transcription and a summary of key points discussed during the call, making it easier to revisit important parts without replaying the entire recording. This transcription feature supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Portuguese.

Apple Intelligence: AI-Powered Tools

In addition to call recording, iOS 18.1 introduces Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to simplify and enhance user interactions. One of these tools is the Writing Assistant, which offers users editing and rewriting options for messages, emails, and notes. With tone adjustment options—ranging from professional to casual—the Writing Assistant makes creating well-crafted communications faster and easier.

Siri Enhancements

Siri also receives a major upgrade in this update, improving its conversational abilities with a new interface and the capability to follow up on previous commands for a more seamless interaction. Users can switch effortlessly between voice and text commands, allowing for flexible use across all Apple devices, including CarPlay, making it especially convenient for hands-free tasks.

Additional Features

Enhanced Writing and Photo Tools

New AI-powered writing tools help users rewrite, proofread, and summarize messages and emails within the app, saving time and enhancing productivity. These updates streamline communication whether users are crafting emails or texting on the go.

The Photos app also sees significant updates. The new “Clean Up” feature enables users to remove unwanted elements from photos with a single tap. Additionally, users can search their photo libraries by describing the content within images.

Focus Mode and Smart Notifications

The Reduce Interruptions Focus mode employs AI to filter notifications, only alerting users to high-priority messages. This feature bundles less important alerts into a summary view, helping users quickly catch up on essentials without distraction.

Health and Accessibility Enhancements for AirPods

With iOS 18.1, Apple has added new accessibility and health-focused tools to AirPods. Users can now conduct a hearing test directly from their AirPods, receiving clinically validated insights. The AirPods Pro 2 includes a new Hearing Aid feature for mild to moderate hearing loss, while Hearing Protection mode automatically reduces exposure to loud sounds in noisy environments—aligning with Apple’s focus on health and inclusivity.

Streamlined User Interface and Bug Fixes

Alongside these major updates, Apple has made several minor adjustments:

• Control Centre now allows for easier connectivity settings.
• App Store searches respond to natural language.
• The Notes app can transcribe live calls.

Apple also addressed known bugs, enhancing podcast functionality, video playback, and digital car key reliability.

Limited Availability of AI Features

While iOS 18.1 is available globally to compatible devices, some AI features within Apple Intelligence are initially limited to U.S. English. Apple has implemented a virtual queue for activating these features, suggesting they are being gradually rolled out to optimize performance and accessibility.

Conclusion

With iOS 18.1, Apple has introduced meaningful upgrades that strengthen the iPhone’s AI capabilities while addressing user demands for call recording. This release represents Apple’s ongoing commitment to providing intuitive and powerful tools that make everyday tasks smoother and more efficient.

As consumers begin to explore these new capabilities, it will be interesting to see how well they are received and whether they significantly impact user engagement within Apple’s ecosystem in an increasingly competitive market for AI-driven functionalities.