Apple has rolled out the iOS 18.1 developer beta along with iPadOS 18.1, bringing fresh enhancements that include innovative features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella. Among the standout additions is a powerful “Clean Up” tool within the Photos app that enhances image editing, drawing comparisons to Google’s Magic Eraser.

^{Photo Editing with AI: Introducing the Clean Up Tool}

The new Clean Up tool is designed to help users remove unwanted background elements from their photos with ease. Unlike traditional editing tools that may require manual cropping or cloning, this feature intelligently isolates the subject and eliminates unwanted objects—even if they are overlapping. Apple notes that this tool can even remove shadows and reflections caused by these distractions, offering a much cleaner result.

Moreover, the Photos app will leverage AI to identify potential distractions in the background automatically. This means users can often eliminate these elements with just a single tap. For more precision, users can zoom in and use a brush or circle tool to remove specific details. Impressively, this tool is compatible with all photos in your library, whether they were captured using an older iPhone, an iPad, or even a professional DSLR camera.

^{Expanded Notification Summaries and Broader Apple Intelligence Updates}

In addition to the photo editing improvements, the latest beta introduces expanded notification summaries. Previously, this feature was limited to Mail and Messages, but now it extends to other apps, enhancing users’ ability to stay organized and prioritize their notifications.

Looking ahead, Apple has teased several upcoming features under the Apple Intelligence initiative that are still in development and have yet to be tested in the betas. These future updates include advanced image and emoji generation, smarter priority notifications, and more contextual Siri capabilities. Apple has also hinted at integrating ChatGPT, signaling more sophisticated AI interactions.

^{Device Compatibility and Cautions for Beta Testers}

Currently, the advanced Apple Intelligence features, including the Clean Up tool, are supported only on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as on Macs and iPads equipped with an M1 chip or newer. Anyone with a compatible device can install the iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 developer betas; however, users should proceed with caution. As with all beta software, bugs and instability are to be expected, so it’s crucial to back up data or use a secondary device to avoid any disruptions on your primary device.

^{When to Expect These Features in Public Releases}

While the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 public releases are expected to follow soon after the anticipated iPhone 16 launch next month, the more advanced Apple Intelligence features are likely to arrive with iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, which should be available to everyone by October.

These upcoming updates signal Apple’s continued push into AI-driven enhancements, offering users a more intuitive and powerful experience across their devices. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or someone looking for smarter device interactions, iOS 18.1 is shaping up to be a significant update worth waiting for.