On Oct. 28, Apple users can begin using Apple Intelligence, the new suite of generative AI features coming to iPhones, iPads, and MacOS.
These tools aim to deliver on Siri’s original promise of a humanlike assistant that makes device interactions more intuitive. Additionally, they introduce popular generative AI functions, such as on-device image generation, enhancing the capabilities of Apple’s ecosystem for a more dynamic user experience.
What does Apple Intelligence do?
Apple Intelligence is an umbrella term for various generative AI features that can operate on Apple devices. It includes:
- Generative writing tools.
- Automatic summarization.
- Smart prioritization of notifications and emails.
- Photo editing.
- Automatic photo sorting.
- The ability to control some of the phone’s settings with voice commands.
- A more conversational and versatile attitude for Siri.
How does Apple Intelligence work?
Apple Intelligence is enabled by Apple’s own A17 Pro, A18, A18 Pro, M1, or M2 chips, which include a neural network component that runs on-device generative operations. Some of the more processing-intensive generative AI tasks on iPhones will be offloaded to Private Cloud Compute, a gateway between the phone and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
SEE: Our cheat sheet has everything you need to know about iPhone 16.
Which devices have Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iOS 18.1 or later. The full list of devices is:
| iPhone 16 (A18) iPhone 16 Plus (A18) iPhone 16 Pro Max (A18 Pro) iPhone 16 Pro (A18 Pro) iPhone 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro) | iPhone 15 Pro (A17 Pro) iPad Pro (M1 and later) iPad Air (M1 and later) MacBook Air (M1 and later) MacBook Pro (M1 and later) | iMac (M1 and later) Mac mini (M1 and later) Mac Studio (M1 Max and later) Mac Pro (M2 Ultra) |
Apple Intelligence is not available in China and may be limited in the EU.
Will Apple Intelligence come to older phones?
No. Devices with hardware older than the ones listed above don’t have suitable chips to run Apple Intelligence.
How much does Apple Intelligence cost?
Apple Intelligence is free with a software upgrade on the supported devices.
When did Apple Intelligence launch?
Apple Intelligence launched with limited features, including writing tools, typing to Siri, the image Clean Up tool, and natural language search in Photos on Oct. 28. Both Apple Mail and phone notifications will be sorted by priority. AI writing tools work in Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps. Plus, audio transcription will be available in the Notes and Phone apps.
In the coming months, Apple will introduce more image-editing features, enhanced personal context and on-screen awareness in Siri interactions, and world knowledge powered by ChatGPT. The upcoming features are:
- Custom-made “Genmoji” emoji.
- Image Playground.
- Image Wand.
- Expanded writing tools powered by ChatGPT.
- Improved Priority Notifications.
Apple Intelligence will initially roll out in American English. In December, it will gain localized English for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. Other languages — including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish — will follow next year.
Is Siri artificial intelligence?
The definition of AI can vary. Before the recent Apple Intelligence upgrade, Siri could have been considered a form of artificial intelligence but not generative AI, as it performed tasks without creating or remixing content. Instead, Siri primarily executed operations based on preset functions.
Some argue that these computing capabilities shouldn’t qualify as AI, as the term suggests a science-fiction level of humanlike intelligence that algorithms, no matter how advanced, can’t achieve. However, “AI” has become a widely accepted term for certain types of computing. Still, it might have been more accurate to call Siri a digital assistant rather than a true AI.
After the upgrade to Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 or the beta, it could now be accurate to call Siri generative AI, as it gains the ability to respond more dynamically and contextually.
How to add Apple Intelligence to iPhone?
Apple Intelligence will arrive on applicable iPhones as an automatic software update in October. To check for software updates manually, visit Settings > General > Software Update.
How do I activate Apple Intelligence?
On iPads or Macs, check for the free software update to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1. From the Apple menu, navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update.
What are the competitors to Apple Intelligence?
Samsung and Google have both integrated generative AI into their newest phones. The Google Pixel 9 series, which came out in August, uses Google Gemini for photo editing, summarization, and conversations. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series, which came out earlier this year, also uses Google Gemini and other Google AI products for similar capabilities.
