Apple Intelligence: Everything you need to know

Remember the first time you asked Siri to set a reminder or play your favorite song? It felt like magic, right? That's just the beginning of what's possible with Apple Intelligence. Over the years, the technology pioneer has tirelessly worked to weave artificial intelligence into its products, enhancing everything from photos to daily reminders. This guide dives into these Apple AI features, showing how they transform everyday experiences into something extraordinary.

What is Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence, dubbed "AI for the rest of us" by Cupertino's marketing team, is all about making advanced AI accessible and practical for everyday use. It takes the best of what generative AI can do — think text and image creation — and enhances the features we already love. Much like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, Apple Intelligence is powered by large information models that utilize deep learning. This means it can find patterns and make connections across text, images, video, and music, bringing a smarter, more intuitive touch to your Apple devices.

Source: apple.com/apple-intelligence

Apple Intelligence release date

Apple typically introduces its latest AI features during its annual events, often held in September, alongside new iOS and macOS updates. With each release, you can expect better Siri capabilities, smarter camera processing, and other AI improvements. So, keep an eye out every fall to see what cutting-edge advancements Apple has in store for your devices.

Who gets Apple Intelligence and when?

Wondering how to get Apple Intelligence features? Shall you pay extra? Good news! These AI upgrades are included with regular software updates for a variety of Apple devices, like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Just keep your device updated to enjoy the newest innovations. 

Apple Intelligence compatibility     

Not all Apple devices will support the new features of Apple AI, mainly due to the hardware requirements needed for these advanced functionalities. Devices equipped with A-series chips and Neural Engines are designed to handle these enhancements, such as AI-driven photography and real-time language processing.

So, let's see what makes a device compatible and how to ensure you're ready to experience all these features.

Compatible devices:

• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus: A18
• iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max: A18 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max: A17 Pro
• iMac, iPad Pro, Mac mini, iPad Air, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro: M1 and later
• Mac Studio: M1 Max and later
• Mac Pro: M2 Ultra

Operating system requirements:

• iOS 18 for iPhones
• iPadOS 18 for iPads
• macOS Sequoia for Macs

Ensuring optimal performance

To get the most out of Apple Intelligence on your devices, keeping them in top shape is key. Start by regularly checking for software updates to make sure you're running the latest macOS/iOS, which usually comes with performance tweaks and bug fixes. Also, keep an eye on your storage space. Having enough free space ensures your device can handle AI tasks seamlessly and stay fast and responsive.

Apple Intelligence features

I'm always curious about the latest updates from Apple, especially when it comes to their AI features. Let's take a look at what's new and exciting!

• Siri enhancements

This is the one I've been waiting for the most. Siri's natural language processing and voice recognition have significantly improved, making our interactions feel more natural and fluid. For example, when you mention something from a previous request, such as the location of a calendar event you just created, and ask, "What will the weather be like there?" Siri remembers your earlier interaction and understands you're asking for the weather forecast at that specific location. Plus, setting up Siri Shortcuts is a game-changer — imagine saying, "Goodnight, Siri," and having it automatically set your alarm and start your bedtime playlist. Cool? 

• Neural Engine and Machine Learning

Apple's Neural Engine now processes everything right on the device, speeding things up and keeping our data private. I can't wait to see how it improves photos with Deep Fusion and Smart HDR, plus explore augmented reality even further.

• Predictive text and keyboard suggestions

Ever felt like your device knows what you're about to say? This feature is why! AI-driven predictive text makes typing faster and almost magical, picking up on your style and slang.

• Photos app intelligence

The Photos app now does a fantastic job of tagging and organizing your pictures by recognizing faces and objects and pulling together albums that remind you of past adventures and important events. It's so handy for keeping your photo collection neat and full of surprises each time you check it out.

• Health and fitness tracking

The AI upgrades turn your Apple Watch into a health powerhouse, monitoring your activity and giving smart alerts that go beyond counting steps. This is perfect for staying motivated and in tune with my health goals.

What tools will Apple Intelligence have?

Apple Intelligence offers both developers and users a rich set of AI tools to enhance app functionality and user experience.

Developer tools and frameworks:

• Core ML: For integrating machine learning into apps, making them smarter and more responsive.
• Create ML: Simplifies the process of training machine learning models, even for beginners.
• SiriKit: Lets developers add Siri features to their third-party apps, improving usability.

User-facing tools and applications:

• Enhanced native apps: Apps like Photos, Siri, and Maps include AI features that make tasks like organizing photos or finding the best route more intuitive.
• App Store offerings: Numerous apps on the App Store use AI to boost functionality and personalization.
• Personalized experience: Users can customize AI-powered tools to suit their daily needs, streamlining routine tasks and enhancing efficiency.

You might also like the article about the best AI apps for your Mac and iPhone.

How to use Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence will be available in beta with the iOS 18.1 update in October. Ensure your device and Siri are set to a supported language. To activate, go to Settings, tap on Apple Intelligence & Siri, and select Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist. Activation typically occurs within a few hours, but wait times can vary. You'll receive a notification when it's ready, and the on-device models will begin downloading.

For Mac users, Apple Intelligence will also be part of the macOS update in October. After updating to the latest version, ensure your system language matches a supported language. Activation requests can be made through the System Settings under Apple Intelligence. You can use Spotlight (Command + Space) and type Apple Intelligence. 

How to use Apple Intelligence features?

• Siri 

As you already know, Siri has taken a big leap forward with Apple AI, making interactions feel more natural and intuitive. You can ask Siri complex questions, and it cleverly handles them — even if you stumble over your words. It remembers previous conversations, so if you set an event for a hike at "that place you mentioned," it'll know exactly where you mean. Plus, if you'd rather not speak, you can type your requests with a quick double tap. Priority Notifications also help by showing the most important alerts at the top, keeping you focused.

• Writing Tools

For anyone drafting emails, writing tools embedded with AI can adjust your tone to be more friendly or professional, depending on what you need. The Proofread feature tidies up your grammar and word choice and even lets you summarize emails with a TL;DR to keep it concise and clear.

• AI-powered image features

Get creative with Genmoji — just type in a fun idea like "a dinosaur on a skateboard," and you'll get a customized emoji. Image Playground takes your descriptions and styles them into unique visuals, whether you want a sketch or an animation. If you scribble a quick sketch with Apple Pencil, Image Wand will polish it up into a completed illustration.

• Photos and Memory Movies

In the Photos app, you're now the star of your own Memory Movies. Just ask for a montage about a specific event, like teaching your dog a new trick, and watch it transform your clips into a captivating video complete with music and scene cuts.

Apple intelligence not available in your country? Solution

I can't wait for Apple Intelligence to fully roll out, but it's a pity that it won't be available in EU countries just yet. Plus, you'll need newer devices to enjoy its full potential. If you're unable to use Apple Intelligence due to these restrictions, don't worry. There are plenty of AI apps that can step in to fill the gap. Setapp, for instance, offers a vast collection of over 250 apps, including many AI tools, to help boost productivity, enhance creativity, and streamline your workflow. The best part? Setapp has an Al assistant to help you instantly find an app for your task. Try every app at no cost for seven days and find your new favorites! 

FAQ