Apple releases Apple Intelligence. Here’s how to get it on your iPhone

As of today, Apple has rolled out iOS 18.1, an update that brings its new AI feature, Apple Intelligence, to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro. Alongside iOS, Apple has also introduced software updates for iPad and Mac, integrating Apple Intelligence across these devices.

This launch marks a significant milestone for Apple, as the company aims to showcase Apple Intelligence as a key element in its marketing strategy for the iPhone 16 lineup, which debuted last month. The first Apple Intelligence features are now accessible through a free software update.

Opt in:

You need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max or any iPhone 16 model to install and use Apple Intelligence. The service primarily uses the iPhone’s chip, which is why it does not work on earlier phones, though some more complicated queries will be handled by Apple’s servers.

You also need to turn it on by asking for access to Apple Intelligence in the Settings app. Doing so puts users on a waitlist. Apple has not said how long the wait will take, but during beta tests over the summer, users typically received access within the same day. Your phone will then download large files — Apple’s AI models — that Apple Intelligence needs to operate.\

Once updated, in Settings, go to Apple Intelligence & Siri and opt in.

You’ll get a notification once Apple Intelligence is ready to use on your device.

Here’s what’s new!

A Smarter Siri Experience

Siri gets a sleek redesign, with a glowing, interactive interface that’s not just beautiful but intuitive. Siri is now even more conversational, letting users switch between voice and text effortlessly. Plus, Siri can manage more complex requests, follow mid-sentence changes, and answer product questions like, "How do I reset my AirTag?" It’s also more integrated into daily workflows, so whether you’re setting reminders or adjusting settings, Siri’s there to make things easier.

Writing Tools for Confidence and Efficiency

Need help drafting an email or summarizing notes? Apple’s new Writing Tools offer instant support across apps like Mail, Messages, and Notes. The tools include a Rewrite feature to adjust tone (friendly, professional, or concise), Proofread for grammar and style checks, and Summarize, which can create digestible bullet points, tables, or lists. With just a tap, users can elevate their writing across their devices.

Clean Up Photos with a Tap

Ever snapped the perfect shot only to find a photobomber lurking in the background? The Clean Up tool in Photos is here to help. Now you can erase unwanted elements from any image in your Photos library, even from DSLR photos or older pictures, helping you capture and keep those moments as you intended.

Enhance Your Email and Notifications

Apple Intelligence supercharges Mail with features that prioritize important emails, highlight relevant conversations, and even generate Smart Replies to help you respond faster. Notifications have also been revamped, with summaries that present key information from multiple apps, making it easy to check in on activity without being overwhelmed. A new Focus feature called Reduce Interruptions further filters notifications, helping you stay on task.

Photos Powered by Natural Language Search

Searching through photos has never been easier—just describe what you’re looking for, like “Maya skateboarding in a tie-dye shirt.” Apple Intelligence understands natural language, so you’ll spend less time scrolling and more time sharing. Plus, on iPhone and iPad, you can even create customizable memory movies by typing a description, giving you curated memories at your fingertips.

Coming Soon: Even More Features

Apple Intelligence has more in store, rolling out new tools in December, including ChatGPT support in Siri, image generation with Image Playground and Image Wand, custom Genmoji, and expanded language support across several regions and languages. Siri will also have enhanced personal context awareness, making it even smarter in providing relevant information tailored to each user’s needs.

Getting Started with Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is compatible with iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, select iPads with A17 Pro or M1, and Macs with M1 and later. To get started, update to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1, set Siri to U.S. English, and opt into Apple Intelligence in Settings. Once enabled, Apple Intelligence will notify you when it’s ready to use on your device.

Apple’s integration of AI tools into its devices signals a new wave of user-focused, privacy-centric intelligence, setting a high bar for technology that enhances, rather than overwhelms, daily life.