Apple originally revealed its version of artificial intelligence at the 2024 World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). Called Apple Intelligence, it promised to alter the way we use our iPhones by integrating AI features directly into our most-used apps.
Apple Intelligence offers generative AI features like Genmoji, the Image Playground, and writing abilities powered by ChatGPT. It also upgrades Siri by allowing it to tailor responses to your specific needs instead of being a generic chatbot.
Apple Intelligence is continually updated with each new version of iOS. Recent updates have included new features for Genmoji, Image Playground, and ChatGPT, and the release of Live Translation.
Let's dive into Apple Intelligence to learn more about when features will be released, how to download the feature, and which iPhones Apple Intelligence will work on.
What is Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is Apple's proprietary AI system for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It includes generative AI features like custom images, writing powered by ChatGPT 4.0, and a more personalized Siri experience.
For iPhone, Apple Intelligence system requirements include:
- A compatible iPhone 15 Pro model, iPhone 16 series, or iPhone 17 series device.
- 7GB of memory storage.
- iOS 18.1 or later.
- Device language and Siri language set to the same supported language.
- Residing outside of China.
The system is designed to offer a high level of privacy, with most tasks completed on your device. If Apple Intelligence detects it needs more computing power, it can access cloud servers. Apple has also designed a system called Private Cloud Compute that extends privacy protections to those servers and keeps your data safe. Still, if the idea of AI accessing your personal messages and data makes you uncomfortable, you can opt out of the feature in your settings.
What about Google Gemini and Galaxy AI?
Apple Intelligence is not the only smartphone AI in town. If you're looking at AI systems for your next smartphone, you should also consider Google Gemini and Galaxy AI, which are native to Android systems. Check out our versus guides to see how both compare to Apple Intelligence:
Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence offers a lot of different features to help improve your life, from organization tools to ways to flex your creativity. You can find the full list of first-release features in our Apple Intelligence requirements guide.
Here are some of the most popular Apple Intelligence features.
Genmoji
Image: Apple
Genmoji is a generative AI feature that allows users to create custom emojis for their messages and stickers. All you have to do is type a description, and the system will automatically generate emoji options.
Image Playground
Image: Apple
Image Playground is another generative AI feature in Apple Intelligence. It allows users to create custom images in seconds by typing out a description. The feature comes with a dedicated app and is available in iMessage.
Writing powered by ChatGPT
Apple initially added ChatGPT integration into its AI writing tools with iOS 18.2. This partnership will help users generate content and improve their writing. Apple also made it clear that OpenAI will not store private data from users when ChatGPT processes requests.
Personalized Siri
Apple Intelligence updated Siri with the ability to complete personal and contextually relevant tasks. It also understands fluid language and can keep up with your commands even if you misspeak or stumble through words.
Generative AI in Photos app
The Photos app is also getting an AI boost. Apple Intelligence will organize your photos and allow you to search for images using specific details the AI can recognize.
Apple also introduced Clean Up, a photo editing feature that can remove distracting background objects. It's nice to see Apple finally adding this feature to its Photo editing options. Google Pixels have had this ability through the Magic Eraser since 2021.
Mail organization
The Mail app will also get an AI redesign. Apple Intelligence organizes your emails and designates priority messages for you to view. Additionally, the AI writing features and ChatGPT are available for sprucing up your writing and providing AI-generated summaries of message text.
Are all Apple Intelligence features out now?
No, Apple is still periodically releasing new Apple Intelligence features with iOS updates. As we covered in our Apple Intelligence recap, there are still several core features that users are waiting for. If you're not excited about things like Image Playground or Genmoji, you may not want to upgrade to a new iPhone just yet.
What iPhones have Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is available in the newest iPhone, iPad, and Mac models.
Currently, iPhones with Apple Intelligence include:
- iPhone 17 series
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
iPhone 17 256GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.3" |
| Available On | 189 Plans from 21 carriers |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $829.99 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Apple's 2025 model featuring Improved Apple Intelligence with iOS26, custom-designed A19 Bionic chip, Brighter display with ProMotion up to 120Hz refresh rate, and the new iPhone 17 camera system.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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