Apple has officially launched its first set of AI-powered tools and features, known asApple Intelligence, in the form ofiOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, andmacOS 15.1 Sequoia. The over-the-air (OTA) update is now available and can be downloaded on compatibleiPhones,iPads, andMacs, respectively.
“Apple Intelligence builds on years of innovation in AI and machine learning to put Apple’s generative models at the core of our devices, giving our users a personal intelligence system that is easy to use – all while protecting their privacy," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a recentpress release.
These are all the devices getting the Apple Intelligence treatment
The first wave of Apple Intelligence features are now officially rolling out – here’s every Apple device getting the long-awaited AI treatment.
What does this first Apple Intelligence update bring to the table?
In this first iteration, Apple Intelligence introduces new generative writing tools, improvements to Siri, and enhancements to how notifications are handled.
The most noteworthy inclusion in this first batch of Apple Intelligence isWriting Tools, which usesgenerative AIto proofread, summarize, and rewrite text, similar toGrammarly. The toolset is available system-wide across all apps and services with a text field.
The Photos app brings a new Clean Up tool, which is similar toGoogle’s Magic Eraserin that it removes unwanted elements from photos you’ve taken. There’s also improved natural language search and enhanced movie creation tools within the app.
Other improvements relate to the handling of notifications, including summaries, the Reduce Interruptions focus mode, Intelligent Breakthrough and Silencing settings, and Priority Messages.
Sirihas also received some love in this update, with the digital assistant offering a brand-new interface design, improved natural language understanding, and the ability to type to Siri instead of speaking aloud to it. The latter feature can be accessed by double-tapping on the bottom section of the screen, where the home gesture bar is located.
Other improvements relate to the handling of notifications, including summaries, the Reduce Interruptions focus mode, Intelligent Breakthrough and Silencing settings, and Priority Messages. Each tool leverages AI to prioritize important notifications, while having less pertinent ones siloed away.
Apple’s colorful new iMac features its M4 chip and Apple Intelligence support
The first of Apple’s several expected M4 Mac announcements has arrived.
There’s much more in store for Apple Intelligence
iOS 18.2 is already being beta tested, with a launch expected in December
While the AI tools included in Apple’s iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 Sequoia updates are useful, the companyhas plenty more in storeregarding features under the broader Apple Intelligence banner. Both emoji and photo generation functions are currently being tested withiniOS 18.2 beta 1, in the form of Genmoji and Image Playground.
The company has plenty more in store regarding features under the broader Apple Intelligence banner.
System-levelChatGPTintegration is on the way, allowing Siri to tap into more advanced search queries. ForiPhone 16models, theGoogle Lens-style Visual Intelligence camera search will also become available in stable form.
While we don’t have confirmation of an exact timeline, rumors indicate that the rollout of Apple Intelligence will continue at a slow and steady pace, with some featuresperhaps not appearing untilthe spring of next year.
How to use Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools in iOS 18
Use Apple Intelligence to fix or rewrite your text with ease.
