For individuals overwhelmed by a constant influx of emails and notifications, Apple’s Notification Summaries feature presented a promising solution. Designed to streamline the process of managing alerts on the Lock Screen, this functionality aimed to neatly consolidate alerts from identical apps and present them efficiently. However, recent feedback, notably from the BBC, has indicated that the feature may still require refinement. The complaints centered on instances where Notification Summaries produced misleading headlines regarding news events. As a response, with the introduction of iOS 18.3 beta 3, Apple is scaling back the feature’s scope and facilitating an easier opt-out process for users.

Suspension of AI Summaries for News Applications

In what appears to be a direct response to the concerns expressed by media outlets like the BBC, the latest beta update for iOS 18.3 includes a significant alteration: Notification Summaries are now paused for apps that fall within the news and entertainment categories. Users attempting to activate this functionality for a news application will receive a notification stating that the option is “temporarily unavailable.” However, they can still opt into future summaries once the feature is reinstated. Given the previous miscommunication – where users received alerts implying a serious incident based on a single statement – this change seems prudent.

Clearer Alerts on Potential Errors

Apple has also revamped the Notification Summaries settings interface by explicitly warning users that their summaries “may contain errors.” This warning replaces a more vague statement that referred to potential variability in summary accuracy based on different content. When users set up Notification Summaries for the first time, they will now be informed that “This beta feature may occasionally produce inaccuracies that do not reflect the original content’s intent.” It’s notable that even the version of Notification Summaries embedded in the publicly available iOS build is still labeled as a beta feature.

Distinct Formatting for AI-Generated Notifications

A long-overdue update is the implementation of italicized font for notifications generated by AI summaries. Previously, notifications did not clearly distinguish between original alerts and AI-generated summaries, with a mere icon indicating that multiple notifications were combined. This new formatting will make it easier for users to identify which notifications are the result of AI summarization.

Quickly Disable Notification Summaries from the Banner

Prior to this update, users could only disable Notification Summaries by accessing the Settings app, which offered an app-by-app management system or a complete feature toggle. Now, users can conveniently turn off Notification Summaries directly from the notification banners. By swiping left on a notification banner, selecting “Options,” and then choosing “Turn off [app name] Summaries,” users gain more control over their app notifications. Additionally, users can rate the accuracy of a summary directly from this interface, providing vital feedback through thumbs up or down options.

Installing iOS 18.3 Beta 3

The refined Notification Summaries feature will be available on all compatible devices once iOS 18.3 officially launches. However, eager users can experience the beta right now. To get started with iOS 18.3 beta, first confirm that your device is compatible, and ensure enrollment in Apple’s beta program by heading to beta.apple.com. Open your device and navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. If also enrolled in the developer beta program, users will be presented with options for either iOS 18 Developer Beta or iOS 18 Public Beta. Select one, return to the previous menu, and download iOS 18.3 Beta 3 when prompted. Keep in mind to exercise caution when downloading beta software, as these versions may present more bugs compared to their final releases.