Apple announced a series of AI features earlier in June this year. These features have finally arrived on iPhone, iPad, and Mac with a new update, namely iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1. Currently, these features are only available to developers in the US. Even if you’re a part of the Developer Beta program, you’ll need to follow a few steps to install the particular Update and enable the Apple Intelligence features.
To simplify the process, I’ll guide you on downloading and enabling Apple’s Apple Intelligence features on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. I’ll also provide a workaround to enable these features outside the US, including India.
Before you proceed, only a few Apple devices support the Apple intelligent features at the time of writing in July 2024.
Step 1: Install the Apple Update on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
As of July 2024, Apple requires you to join the Developer Beta program to download the relevant update, if you haven’t already. However, even if you’re currently enrolled in the Developer Beta, you won’t magically receive the Beta with Apple AI features. Instead, you’ll need to manually opt into the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS 15.1 beta update.
Note: The beta versions usually contain lots of bugs and certain features may not work as intended. We do not recommend installing this beta update on your primary device. Update only if you have a spare phone or if you are okay with the bugs. Apple will push out a few more beta updates to fix these bugs before the final version is released to the public. Always take an iCloud backup beforehand.
Here’s how to install the update:
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, and navigate to General > Software Update. Tap on Beta Updates and select iOS 18 Developer Beta from the drop-down. Let your iPhone or iPad check for the latest update.
You’ll find the iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 update under Also Available section at the bottom. Tap on it and choose Update Now to install the update.
- On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Select the macOS Sequoia 15.1 Developer Beta channel, which is available separately. Let your Mac check for and install this update.
Step 2: Enabling the Apple Intelligence Features
After you’ve updated your iPhone or iPad to iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1, or your Mac to macOS Sequoia 15.1 Developer Betas, go to Settings. Tap on the new Apple Intelligence & Siri option. Next, tap Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist (the steps are the same for iOS and macOS).
Within 10-15 minutes, Apple will approve your request and automatically download the AI features to your iPhone or Mac (provided it’s connected to Wi-Fi). Once the download is complete, tap on Turn on Apple Intelligence on the same page. You have now successfully enabled Apple Intelligence features.
Get Apple Intelligence Features Outside of the US
As mentioned, the Apple Intelligence features are currently only available in the US region for English (US). If you live outside the US, and want to try these features, change the language and region on your device. Of course, that will impact a lot of things such as your Banking and other apps on your devices. So proceed at your own accord.
Go to Settings > General > Language & Region. Set the region to United States and the language to English (US).
Next, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence and Siri, and set the Siri language to English (United States). After that, you can join the Apple Intelligence waitlist and access those features as shown above.
Note: This method will not work in Europe due to local government regulations.
Step 3: Using AI Features on Your iPhone, iPad, and Mac
The biggest update of all is the Siri makeover. With Apple Intelligence, Siri has a new look. More importantly, Siri now sounds less robotic and there are no awkward pauses between words. You can keep the conversation going or even stop Siri mid-sentence by asking another question.
Additionally, Siri can now perform some tasks on your phone. For example, when I asked it to show my Wi-Fi password, it immediately opened the Passwords app to show me my Wi-Fi password. However, when I asked it to change the camera timer, it could not do so. Despite this, Siri can now complete many tasks on your iPhone and Mac instantly.
Apple AI also offers writing tools. Instead of using ChatGPT or Gemini, you can check grammar, summarize articles, or even identify key points directly from the pop-up menu. However, the tone and results will improve over time.
ChatGPT has not yet been integrated into Siri. Therefore, Siri still shows web results when you ask complex questions rather than providing a ChatGPT-powered answer. Additionally, many other features like AI Emojis and Image Playground are unavailable in the latest update with Apple Intelligence.
