Apple has chosen to take its time with developing its generative AI features instead of rushing to add AI copilots like Microsoft. The upcoming generative AI features from Apple aim to deliver on the promise Siri made over a decade ago – a humanlike assistant that can make using devices easier, while also including well-known generative AI capabilities like image generation on smartphones.
Apple Intelligence is a collection of generative AI features that work on Apple devices. It includes tools for writing, summarization, prioritizing notifications and emails, photo editing, automatic photo sorting, voice commands to control phone settings, and a more conversational Siri.
Apple Intelligence is powered by Apple’s A17 Pro, A18, A18 Pro, M1, or M2 chips, which have a neural network component for on-device generative operations. Some tasks may be offloaded to Private Cloud Compute for more intensive operations.
Apple Intelligence can be found on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices with iOS 18.1 or later. It is not available in China and may have limited availability in the EU. Older devices without suitable chips will not be able to run Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence is free with a software upgrade on supported devices. It is currently in preview through the iOS 18.1 beta release, with a full release expected in October. Features like Writing Tools, Photos, summarization, and audio support in Notes, as well as enhancements to Siri, will be available first.
To activate Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, you can check for automatic software updates in October through Settings > General > Software Update. You can also join the waitlist after updating to iOS 18.1 by going to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
Competitors to Apple Intelligence include Samsung and Google, who have integrated generative AI features into their latest phones. Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 series utilize generative AI for tasks like photo editing, summarization, and conversations.
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