On Monday, Apple will host its highly anticipated Glowtime event, where it is expected to announce the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch X (Series 10). However, the spotlight is likely to be shared by Apple’s new AI feature, Apple Intelligence, which was first introduced during the WWDC keynote in June. The AI-driven tools have already garnered significant attention as Apple begins to explore generative AI across its platforms. Everything you need to know about Apple Intelligence includes the fact that its AI-driven features can assist with generating summaries in Mail, Messages, and Notes.
AI Features Coming in Stages
Apple is taking a phased approach to releasing its AI-powered features. The current developer beta introduces writing tools to provide suggestions in documents and emails. Additionally, users can access photo-editing tools like “Clean Up,” which can remove unwanted objects from images. Siri is also getting a significant upgrade, with a new, more natural voice, the ability to have contextual conversations, and new features like a glowing border around the display when Siri is active.
Apple Intelligence Opt-in and Availability
Apple Intelligence is currently an opt-in feature for developers. Users who wish to test these AI tools must go through an approval process that could take several hours. It remains unclear whether this process will be required when the public beta launches later this year.
Initially, Apple Intelligence will only be available on devices with specific hardware. The iPhone 15 Pro models, iPads, and Macs with M-series chips will be able to run Apple Intelligence when it becomes available. This restricted rollout means that not all Apple users will have access to these features immediately.
Which Devices Support Apple Intelligence?
The beta version of Apple Intelligence is currently available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as iPads and Macs with M-series chips. Everything you need to know about Apple Intelligence is that its public release is expected in fall 2024, starting with US English support. In the fall, it will be made available to the public with the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS Sequoia. However, only the latest devices will be compatible with these AI-driven features. Here’s a list of the supported devices:
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPad Air with M1 or M2 chips
- iPad Pro with M1, M2, or M4 chips
- MacBook Air with M1, M2, or M3 chips
- MacBook Pro with M1, M2, or M3 chips
- Mac Mini with M1 or M2 chips
- Mac Studio with M1 or M2 chips
- iMac with M1 or M3 chips
- Mac Pro with M2 chips
ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence
Although Apple Intelligence operates independently, Apple has integrated ChatGPT from OpenAI as a third-party AI service. Siri will be able to tap into ChatGPT for specific tasks, such as answering questions about photos or documents. ChatGPT integration is part of Apple’s broader effort to enhance its writing tools, allowing users to generate original content or rewrite text with varying tones.
While Apple Intelligence’s core features are processed on-device or through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, the integration of ChatGPT provides users with an additional layer of AI-powered functionality. Users will have the option to control when ChatGPT is used, ensuring privacy remains a top priority.
Siri’s Major Overhaul
Everything you need to know about Apple Intelligence includes its integration with Siri, offering more natural conversations and contextual understanding. Siri will benefit the most from Apple Intelligence’s capabilities. The digital assistant will feature a new, more natural-sounding voice and will support typed input as an alternative to voice commands. Siri will also become more aware of personal context, allowing it to provide more relevant and timely assistance across apps. In addition, it will be able to offer more in-depth knowledge about Apple devices and their settings.
