At June’s Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, its new generative AI system designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and communication across its ecosystem. After a modest rollout in October, Apple is now preparing to introduce a wider range of features with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS 15.2. These updates bring tools like Genmoji, Image Playground, and ChatGPT integration, significantly expanding the AI capabilities of Apple’s devices.
Getting Started with Apple Intelligence
To explore Apple Intelligence, follow these steps:
Ensure You Have an Eligible Device:
Apple Intelligence is supported on iPhone 16 models, last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and devices running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS 15.1.
Enroll in the Beta Program:
Join the waitlist via the Settings app. Approval is typically fast, often taking just a few hours. Once approved, a notification will guide you to activate the features.
By meeting these requirements, you’ll be ready to access Apple Intelligence and its exciting new functionalities.
Upcoming Features in iOS 18.2
Scheduled for a December release, iOS 18.2 (and its sibling OS upgrades) introduces several highly anticipated features. If you’re using the developer beta, you can try them now:
Genmoji:
Create custom emojis from your photos or descriptions. For example, you could turn a picture of a friend into an emoji or generate one based on keywords like “a smiling dog in sunglasses.”
Image Playground:
This tool allows you to create imaginative images effortlessly. You can transform yourself into a cartoon character or describe a scene, and the AI will generate an image for you.
ChatGPT Integration:
Siri and Writing Tools now incorporate ChatGPT to assist with complex tasks. For example, Siri can use ChatGPT to summarize documents or answer detailed queries. Apple prioritizes privacy, ensuring your data is only shared with explicit permission and remains under your control.
Priority Notifications:
Notifications will now be prioritized based on importance. Critical alerts, like upcoming appointments or reminders for significant events, will appear at the top of your notifications.
Visual Intelligence (Exclusive to iPhone 16 Models):
A new Camera Control button lets you interact with objects or locations in real-time. For instance, you can translate a sign into your preferred language or learn about a nearby landmark by simply pointing your camera at it and pressing the button.
What’s Coming in 2025
Apple Intelligence will continue to evolve, with key updates planned for 2025:
On-Screen Awareness for Siri:
Siri will gain the ability to act based on what’s displayed on your screen. For example, if a friend texts you their new email address, you can ask Siri to save it directly to their contact card. Similarly, Siri can quickly add events or reminders from texts to your calendar.
Further Siri Enhancements:
Siri will feature richer conversational abilities, allowing for seamless interactions even if your thoughts jump between topics. Additionally, a glowing-edge interface will provide a more intuitive activation experience.
What Is Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s proprietary generative AI system, integrated into eligible devices to simplify tasks like writing, organizing, and creative projects. It uses personal context to deliver tailored assistance while ensuring your privacy.
Key points about Apple Intelligence:
- It is built into iPhones, iPads, and Macs running the latest operating systems.
- ChatGPT is integrated for advanced functionality, but its use is optional and requires case-by-case permission.
- Apple emphasizes that no one, not even Apple employees, can access your personal data without your consent.
Features Already Available
Even before the iOS 18.2 update, Apple Intelligence offers several features for eligible devices running iOS 18.1 or later:
Photos App Enhancements:
- A new Clean Up tool lets you remove unwanted elements from photos with a single tap. For example, erase strangers from a group photo or a messy object in the background.
- Advanced search allows you to find images by description. For instance, search for “a sunset over mountains” to locate relevant pictures in your library.
Writing Tools:
These tools assist with proofreading, rewriting, and summarizing text. Whether you’re drafting an email or summarizing an article, Writing Tools can provide polished and concise results.
Summarized Notifications:
Receive condensed summaries of daily notifications, helping you quickly identify and prioritize important messages.
Improved Siri:
Siri now offers enhanced conversational abilities and the flexibility to switch between voice commands and typing. Its improved natural language processing makes it easier to handle complex requests.
Regional and Language Support
Apple Intelligence is expanding its reach globally:
Current Availability:
Siri must be set to US English, which works in most regions worldwide.
December 2024:
Apple will add English language support for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.
April 2025:
EU users will gain full access to Apple Intelligence on iPhones and iPads.
2025 Expansion:
Support for additional languages, including Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and more, is expected by late 2025.