Apple Halts News Alert Summaries in Latest iOS Beta Update

Apple has temporarily disabled its notification summary feature in the latest developer betas of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3. This pause applies to aggregated notifications from news and entertainment apps as the company works on enhancing the functionality.

Update on Notification Summaries

This feature, first introduced in iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, has been halted due to reported issues. Apple has also added a new disclosure message for users enabling the beta feature, highlighting that it may deliver unexpected results. Additionally, users can now manage notifications directly from the lock screen, deciding whether specific apps should be included in summaries.

To improve clarity, AI-generated summaries now appear in italicized text, helping users distinguish them from regular alerts.

Apple’s Response and Commitment

Apple has acknowledgeApple has temporarily disabled its notification summary feature in the latest developer betas of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3. This pause applies to aggregated notifications from news and entertainment apps as the company works on enhancing the functionality.

Update on Notification Summaries

This feature, first introduced in iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, has been halted due to reported issues. Apple has also added a new disclosure message for users enabling the beta feature, highlighting that it may deliver unexpected results. Additionally, users can now manage notifications directly from the lock screen, deciding whether specific apps should be included in summaries.

To improve clarity, AI-generated summaries now appear in italicized text, helping users distinguish them from regular alerts.

Apple’s Response and Commitment

Apple has acknowledged user concerns and stated to *Engadget*, “Apple Intelligence features are in beta and we are continuously making improvements.” The company assured users that an upcoming update would enhance transparency by clearly marking AI-generated summaries. They also encouraged users to report unexpected issues.

Challenges Faced and the Path Forward

Despite initial praise for consolidating notifications, the feature faced criticism for spreading inaccuracies. One high-profile incident involved a summary falsely suggesting Luigi Mangione, associated with the United Healthcare CEO’s murder, had died by suicide. This misstep highlighted the need for further refinements.

Apple remains focused on improving the system, ensuring the notification summaries meet user expectations and avoid such errors in the future.d user concerns and stated to Engadget, “Apple Intelligence features are in beta and we are continuously making improvements.” The company assured users that an upcoming update would enhance transparency by clearly marking AI-generated summaries. They also encouraged users to report unexpected issues.

Challenges Faced and the Path Forward

Despite initial praise for consolidating notifications, the feature faced criticism for spreading inaccuracies. One high-profile incident involved a summary falsely suggesting Luigi Mangione, associated with the United Healthcare CEO’s murder, had died by suicide. This misstep highlighted the need for further refinements.

Apple remains focused on improving the system, ensuring the notification summaries meet user expectations and avoid such errors in the future.