Apple Intelligence is getting closer to being ready for primetime. apple released the public beta version of iOS 18.1, which includes the key generative AI features the company has been talking about for the past few months.
We will have to wait a few more weeks Bringing Apple Intelligence features to everyone with an eligible device for the public releases of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 18.1. Public betas should be more stable and less risky to install than developer betas, but it’s still worth backing up your data to your computer and/or iCloud before deploying this build of iOS 18.1 to your iPhone.
Currently, the only iPhones that support Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but that will change on Friday. Apple is shipping the iPhone 16 series. The M-series iPads and Macs will also support Apple Intelligence.
For now, your device and Siri language must be set to US English to access Apple Intelligence tools. If you want to use Apple Intelligence in a language other than English (or in an English localized version), you may have to wait at least until December for public versions of operating systems that support it.
Apple is rolling out Apple Intelligence tools gradually over the coming months, so not all of them will be available right away. Initial wave of features includes the ability to transcribe phone calls (and audio recordings in the Notes app) and get a summary of key details. Writing tools (rewrite, edit and summarize), email priorities and smart replies, notification summaries and photo cleaning features is also judged. You’ll be able to create memories in the updated Photos app and experience the first incarnation of a redesigned, sleeker Siri (including the ability to ask the assistant).
For some other features, including ChatGPT integration, you’ll have to wait longer. Genmoji, the Photo Playground (i.e. image generation) and Siri’s ability to better understand personal context. Apple will introduce them in the coming months.
How to get the new Apple Intelligence features
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software update > Beta Updates and select the iOS 18 public beta option. Once the iOS 18.1 public beta is available for your device, you’ll be able to see it on the software update page. You may need to free up some space before installing the beta. To enable Apple Intelligence, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Join the Apple Intelligence waiting list.
The public beta installation process is almost identical on the iPad. On your Mac, you need to go to System Preferences > General > Software Update. Click on the info icon next to the “Beta Updates” option and you should be able to install the iOS 18.1 public beta from there when available.
