Apple releases Apple Intelligence. Here's how to get it on your iPhone.
Apple's recent iOS 18.1 update introduces Apple Intelligence, a new AI feature available on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, alongside updates for iPad and Mac. Apple Intelligence includes tools for text editing, photo object removal, and notification summarization, all running mainly on-device. Siri also receives a visual upgrade and enhanced abilities for answering Apple-related questions, with in-app actions and ChatGPT integration expected in upcoming updates. Apple's on-device AI approach distinguishes it from cloud-dependent AI models, with analysts predicting it could drive strong demand for the latest iPhones.
Apple released iOS 18.1 on Monday, introducing its new AI feature, Apple Intelligence, for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro. The company also rolled out corresponding updates for iPad and Mac, bringing Apple Intelligence capabilities to a broader range of devices.
The release marks a significant step for Apple as it uses this feature launch to fuel its marketing push for the recently unveiled iPhone 16 lineup. This development also serves as Apple's response to investor curiosity about its AI strategy, which differs from other tech giants that focus on cloud-based AI models powered by extensive Nvidia hardware. In contrast, Apple’s AI operates primarily on-device, showcasing a distinct, chip-driven approach.
Initially, Apple Intelligence offers features such as text-writing tools for proofreading and rewriting, photo-editing tools that can remove objects from images, and a notification summarization tool that condenses multiple notifications into one. The update also brings improvements to Siri, including a refreshed interface with a glowing screen effect around the edges and more natural-sounding voices. Siri now has an expanded ability to answer questions about Apple products and assist with troubleshooting, though full in-app action capabilities are expected in a future update next year. Additionally, a later update, iOS 18.2, is anticipated to introduce ChatGPT integration and image-generation capabilities.
Some analysts predict that Apple Intelligence could drive a new cycle of upgrades, potentially reinforcing Apple’s position as a leader in consumer AI. Bank of America Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan noted in an October 25 report that demand for iPhones may rise as Apple Intelligence becomes more widely available.
To access Apple Intelligence, users need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model. The AI primarily operates using the device’s chip, limiting it to these newer models, although more complex queries will still be handled by Apple’s servers.
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