Apple Intelligence is a collection of tools that make using your Mac simpler, more intuitive, and customisable to your tastes. It is often referred to as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) integration in Apple’s ecosystem. Apple Intelligence makes it easier for you to manage your work and media by utilising tools like intelligent reminders, smart photo sorting, and Siri suggestions. Apple has further improved this feature in 2024, allowing users to work more efficiently. Here’s how to turn on Apple Intelligence and get the most out of your Mac.
KEYPOINT: Go to Settings, select Apple Intelligence & Siri, and then select Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist to begin using Apple Intelligence on your iPad. As soon as Apple Intelligence is prepared for your device, you will receive a notification.
Update your macOS
Make sure you have the most recent macOS version before you begin. With every macOS version, Apple usually adds new AI features and improvements. To check for updates, take the following actions:
- Select System Settings from the Apple Menu.
- Choose General > Update Software.
- Click Update Now if there is an update available.
Note: You can access all of the newest Apple Intelligence capabilities if you have the most recent version of macOS, such as macOS 14.
Turn on Siri and Siri Recommendations
A large portion of Apple’s Intelligence on Mac is powered by Siri, the virtual assistant. You can use voice commands, get recommendations, and receive reminders based on your usage habits if you enable Siri.
- Navigate to Siri & Spotlight under System Settings.
- Activate Siri Suggestions in apps and turn on Ask Siri.
- Decide if you want to enable voice-activated functionality for Hey Siri.
- Here, you can adjust the language and speech type of Siri to suit your preferences.
Tip: By learning from your app activity, Siri Suggestions might recommend activities based on past usage, such opening particular files at particular times.
Activate Memories and Smart Photos
Your images can be automatically sorted by categories, locations, and even individuals by Apple Intelligence, which can then create albums and memories based on dates and events.
- Launch the Photos application.
- Navigate to Settings (located on the menu bar under Photos).
- If it isn’t already enabled, turn on Memories & Featured Photos.
- Using geographical information and facial recognition, Apple Intelligence groups your photos using machine learning. After that, it will produce “Memories” and “Highlights,” which will make it simple to go back and review memorable occasions.
Note: To keep things current across all of your Apple devices, make sure you enable iCloud Photos.
Turn on Spotlight Intelligence to Conduct More Intelligent Searches
Apple’s built-in search function, Spotlight, has been enhanced by Apple Intelligence to identify intricate questions and deliver more understandable results.
- Navigate to Siri & Spotlight under System Settings.
- Turn on Spotlight Suggestions and allow Spotlight to search within the apps you specify.
With Spotlight Intelligence, you can search for files using natural language, such “Documents I edited last week,” which makes it easier to locate what you’re looking for without having to recall the precise filenames.
Use Calendar Suggestions and Reminders
Apple Intelligence provides you with time-sensitive alerts and context-based prompts by integrating with your calendar and reminder apps. To make smart reminders active:
- Launch the Reminders application.
- Turn on Smart Suggestions under Reminders’ Settings.
- In Calendar, enable Time to Leave Notifications in the Settings menu.
This feature will track locations and travel times, so you’re notified when it’s time to leave for your appointments, factoring in real-time traffic conditions.
Turn on Spotlight Intelligence to Conduct More Intelligent Searches
Apple’s built-in search function, Spotlight, has been enhanced by Apple Intelligence to identify intricate questions and deliver more understandable results.
- Navigate to Siri & Spotlight under System Settings.
- Turn on Spotlight Suggestions and allow Spotlight to search within the apps you specify.
With Spotlight Intelligence, you can search for files using natural language, such “Documents I edited last week,” which makes it easier to locate what you’re looking for without having to recall the precise filenames.
Use Calendar Suggestions and Reminders
Apple Intelligence provides you with time-sensitive alerts and context-based prompts by integrating with your calendar and reminder apps. To make smart reminders active:
- Launch the Reminders application.
- Turn on Smart Suggestions under Reminders’ Settings.
- In Calendar, enable Time to Leave Notifications in the Settings menu.
This feature will track locations and travel times, so you’re notified when it’s time to leave for your appointments, factoring in real-time traffic conditions.
Useful Suggestions for Mail and Messages
With its integration with Mail and Messages, Apple Intelligence provides prompt replies, reminders for follow-up, and recommendations for contacts.
- Navigate to Settings > Mail Suggestions after opening Mail.
- Turn on functions such as Contact and Follow-Up Suggestions.
When Siri detects potential answers, suggestions will show up in Messages, allowing you to respond more quickly and with less typing.
Make Use of Tab Grouping and Smart Search in Safari
Safari’s search box has machine learning-powered recommendations that use your reading list, bookmarks, and browsing history to predict what you’re looking for. To utilise this feature:
- Launch Safari.
- Navigate to Settings > Search.
- Enable Quick Website Search and Safari Suggestions.
Additionally, Safari now has an AI-assisted Tab Grouping feature that organizes your tabs based on browsing activity, making it easier to switch between topics and save groups for later.
Optimize System-Wide Smart Features
Several system-wide settings enable Apple Intelligence to offer real-time suggestions across multiple apps:
- In System Settings, navigate to Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements.
- Ensure Share Mac Analytics is enabled. This setting allows Apple to use data to improve machine learning features.
- Enable Improve Siri & Dictation for personalized language recognition.
Apple uses these analytics to continuously enhance the intelligence of macOS, which in turn improves Siri’s understanding and app suggestions over time.
Facilitate Continuity Across Devices for Better AI Integration
Enable Continuity capabilities, which let your iPhone, iPad, and Mac operate together smoothly, to get the most out of Apple Intelligence across all of your devices.
- Navigate to General > System Settings > AirDrop & Handoff.
- Turn on AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, and Handoff.
With intelligent app recommendations that adjust to your workflow across devices, you can begin things on your iPhone and finish them on your Mac thanks to cross-device intelligence.
Concluding remarks
A number of tools provided by Apple Intelligence on Mac make daily chores easier, anticipate needs, and keep you organised. You can make your Mac even more efficient in 2024 and accomplish more with less effort by turning on and adjusting these settings. Better photo sorting, intelligent reminders, or predictive typing, Apple Intelligence adapts to your habits and preferences, allowing for a seamless, intuitive experience.
