On October 28, Apple users can start 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 human-like assistant that makes device interactions more intuitive. Additionally, they introduce popular generative AI features, 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 run on Apple devices. This includes:

• Generative writing tools.
• Automatic summary.
• 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 powered by Apple’s own A17 Pro, A18, A18 Pro, M1 or M2 chips, which include a neural network component that performs generative operations on the device. 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.

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Which devices have Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence works 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 restricted in the EU.

Will Apple Intelligence come to older phones?

No. Devices with hardware older than those listed above do not 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 introduce Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence launched with limited features including writing tools, tap to Siri, the image cleanup tool and natural language search in Photos on October 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. Additionally, audio transcription will be available in the Notes and Phone apps.

In the coming months, Apple will introduce more image editing features, improved personal context and on-screen awareness in Siri interactions, and world knowledge powered by ChatGPT. The upcoming features are:

• Custom “Genmoji” emoji.
• Image playground.
• Image Wall.
• Extensive authoring tools powered by ChatGPT.
• Improved priority notifications.

Apple Intelligence will initially be launched in US English. In December, it will get localized English for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. 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 be considered a form of artificial intelligence, but not generative AI, as it performed tasks without creating or remixing content. Instead, Siri mainly performed operations based on predefined functions.

Some argue that these computing capabilities should not qualify as AI, as the term suggests a science fiction level of human intelligence that algorithms, no matter how advanced, cannot achieve. However, “AI” has become a commonly 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 may 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 eligible iPhones in October as an automatic software update. To manually check for software updates, visit Settings > General > Software Update.

How do I enable 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, go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

What are the competitors for Apple Intelligence?

Samsung and Google have both integrated generative AI into their latest phones. The Google Pixel 9 series, released in August, uses Google Gemini for photo editing, summarization and conversations. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series, released earlier this year, also uses Google Gemini and other Google AI products for similar capabilities.