iOS 18.1 Update: New Features, Enhancements, and What to Expect

Apple continues to refine its operating system with each update, and iOS 18.1 is no exception. This update brings several new features, including call recording, Apple Intelligence enhancements, improved RCS messaging support, and more customization options for Control Center. Whether you’re an iPhone power user or just someone looking for small quality-of-life improvements, iOS 18.1 has something for you.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the most notable additions and changes in iOS 18.1, along with a practical way to transfer data seamlessly between devices when upgrading.

Call Recording Finally Comes to iPhone

One of the most exciting features introduced in iOS 18.1 is native call recording. With this update, users can now record phone calls directly from their iPhones without needing third-party apps. Here’s how it works:

• When on a call, a sound bar icon appears in the top-left corner. Tapping it starts the recording.
• After a three-second delay, an automated voice notifies both parties that the call is being recorded.
• The recorded call is then saved to the Notes app, where users can play it back or even view transcriptions (for newer iPhones like the iPhone 14 Pro and later).

Before using this feature, check your local laws, as call recording regulations vary by region.

Apple Intelligence Expands to More Devices

With iOS 18.1, Apple continues rolling out its AI-powered Apple Intelligence features, offering tools like:

• Writing Tools — Proofread, summarize, and rewrite text directly within apps.
• Clean Up in Photos — Remove unwanted objects from images effortlessly.
• Smarter Siri — A more conversational AI assistant with better contextual awareness.

Before accessing these features, users must join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist in Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Join Waitlist.

While Apple Intelligence is impressive, its availability remains limited to iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models — so older iPhones will miss out on these AI enhancements for now.

Upgrading to a new iPhone with iOS 18.1 brings exciting features, but transferring data from an old device can sometimes be a hassle. Apple offers built-in migration tools, but they often require a strong Wi-Fi connection or iCloud storage.

For a faster and more flexible copy my data solution, Smart Transfer is a third-party simple transfer app that simplifies data migration. With this app, users can:

• Transfer mobile files, photos, and videos between iPhones, Android devices, and PCs without compatibility issues.
• Move data wirelessly without relying on external storage or slow cloud backups.
• Retain original file quality, ensuring high-resolution photos and large videos remain intact.

Smart Transfer is especially useful when upgrading to iOS 18.1, as it allows users to seamlessly migrate their data to a new device while taking advantage of the latest features.

RCS Messaging Support for Businesses

When Apple introduced RCS messaging with iOS 18, it was a significant upgrade for iPhone users communicating with Android devices. Now, iOS 18.1 extends RCS support to Messages for Business, allowing companies to connect with customers more efficiently.

Before this update, business messaging was restricted to iMessage, meaning that only Apple users could interact with businesses. Now, Android users can also engage with businesses via RCS, making communication smoother and more inclusive.

Control Center Gets More Customization Options

iOS 18 brought a refreshed Control Center, and iOS 18.1 builds upon it with:

• Tile-shaped connectivity controls for Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode, and VPN.
• Independent connectivity toggles for AirDrop, VPN, and Satellite.
• New Level and Measure tools, useful for renovations or home projects.
• Reset Control Center Layout option (Settings > Control Center > Reset Control Center).

These small but impactful changes make navigating and customizing Control Center even more intuitive.

Other Notable iOS 18.1 Features

• Primary Apple ID Email Change — Users can now change or add their primary Apple ID email via Settings > Apple ID > Sign-In & Security.
• Tinted Home Screen Widgets — Home screen widgets now match the color tint of app icons for a more unified aesthetic.
• Sleep Apnea Detection — Apple Watches running watchOS 11 and paired with an iPhone on iOS 18.1 can now detect potential sleep apnea symptoms.
• Expanded Emoji Keyboard — The emoji keyboard now includes a dedicated section for custom stickers and Memoji.

A Modest but Useful Update

iOS 18.1 might not be a revolutionary update, but it brings several valuable enhancements that improve usability and streamline day-to-day tasks. From call recording and AI-powered writing tools to better RCS messaging and Control Center customization, this update refines the iPhone experience in meaningful ways.

And with third-party apps like Smart Transfer, managing files between devices has never been easier — making your iPhone upgrade process smoother than ever.

Are you excited about iOS 18.1? Which feature are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments.