Apple’s AI Update Has Arrived: Key Information about Apple Intelligence and Its Features
Apple is now rolling out its AI-focused update to devices.
The initial features of Apple Intelligence were launched on Monday after much anticipation with the latest operating software for supported iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
First introduced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple Intelligence is included in the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates. It brings Apple-developed generative models and various enhancements to existing software, along with several new tools.
Here’s what you need to know about Apple Intelligence:
How to Access Apple Intelligence
To use the new AI features, users must first enable them after updating to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1.
Once the update is installed, navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and sign up for the Apple Intelligence waitlist. After a waiting time, which can be as brief as a few minutes, users will have the option to activate Apple Intelligence and explore additional options and settings for this feature.
Notable Features of Apple Intelligence
The primary features introduced in this first Apple Intelligence update include:
â—¾ Writing Tools: These tools are embedded in apps and can be accessed by selecting text, enabling users to rewrite or summarize content. The Writing Tools also include a proofreading function that suggests edits to the text with explanations.
â—¾ Priority Notifications and Summaries: Urgent messages will be displayed at the top of email inboxes, along with summary and smart reply options for emails. Notification summaries will also appear on the Lock Screen, highlighting essential details.
â—¾ Siri Overhaul: Siri not only gets a fresh appearance but also improved functionality, allowing better handling of user requests. Siri can now maintain context even if users make mistakes in their speech and can also respond to typed commands.
â—¾ Photos App Enhancements: Following a redesign in the previous update, Photos now includes a Clean Up tool to eliminate unwanted elements from images and enables searches based on descriptions. Users can also create movies within Memories using these descriptions.
â—¾ Additional Updates: A new Focus feature called Reduce Interruptions is now available, along with audio and phone call transcription capabilities in the Notes app.
Devices Compatible with Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is available on the following iPhone models:
â—¾ iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
â—¾ iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
â—¾ iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
For iPads, it is compatible with:
â—¾ iPad Pro (M1 and later)
â—¾ iPad Air (M1 and later)
The compatible Mac devices include:
â—¾ MacBook Air (M1 and later) and MacBook Pro (M1 and later)
â—¾ iMac (M1 and later)
â—¾ Mac mini (M1 and later)
â—¾ Mac Studio (M1 Max and later)
â—¾ Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)
Upcoming Features for Apple Intelligence
The current rollout introduces just the initial features of Apple Intelligence. Notably absent in this first release are Genmoji, a tool for creating custom emojis, and Image Playground, a feature allowing users to generate cartoon-style images from text prompts.
These two features are anticipated to launch in December, likely alongside the iOS 18.2 update.
Additionally, ChatGPT integration with Siri is another expected feature by the end of the year, as mentioned during the Apple Intelligence announcement at WWDC.
Priority notifications and further enhancements for Siri and the Writing Tools are also expected in future Apple Intelligence updates, according to Apple’s announcement.
