All about Apple’s AI features for iPhone

If you’ve seen talk of Apple Intelligence ahead of the iPhone 16 launch but don’t know what it is, we’re here to help. We’ve put together this explainer on Apple’s upcoming AI features first revealed at WWDC 2024, detailing what they are, when they arrive, and what devices are compatible with them.

The release of Apple Intelligence is set to be the most revolutionary change for the brand’s iOS operating system in years, enhancing multiple apps while adding new useful and engaging tools. It comes in the same year we’ve seen the best Google Pixel phones and the best Samsung phones arrive with their own AI features, as the industry wholeheartedly embraces AI and how it can transform the smartphone experience. So, let’s find out what Apple has planned to help bolster the sales of the upcoming iPhone 16.

What is Apple Intelligence?

Simply put, Apple Intelligence is the name Apple has given to its collection of multimodal AI-powered features. Genmoji, Siri with ChatGPT, Writing Tools, and more all fit into the category, and we’re anticipating its arrival with the iOS 18.1 update later this year. We’re also getting AI features for both iPad and Mac, but we’re concentrating on what’s coming to iPhone in this guide.

Here’s what to expect from Apple Intelligence:

Enhanced Siri with ChatGPT

We’ve been waiting years for a meaningful update to Siri, and with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, we’re finally getting it. The headline news is that Apple is integrating ChatGPT, the infamous AI-powered chatbot and virtual assistant, into Siri, so you can get in-depth answers to even the most probing queries. Siri won’t rely on Apple Intelligence for everything, and it’ll ask you first if you want to refer to the AI chatbot, but it’s a fantastic feature to have.

Outside of the addition of ChatGPT functionality, Siri is getting a bit of a visual revamp, swapping the orb at the bottom of the screen for a glowing frame around the display. That’s not the only quality of life update, with iOS 18’s Siri also able to understand poorly worded queries, respond to text rather than just voice, and have onscreen awareness. This last improvement might be the best of all, as you’ll be able to get specific information about something on the screen, like a map location or app, without searching Google.

Image editing and creation tools

Image Playground is a new app coming as part of Apple Intelligence that allows you to create completely original images just from text prompts. We’re expecting three visual styles at launch; Animation, Illustration, and Sketch. There’s also the option to select a subject from your emojis, be it yourself, someone you know, or your pet, to serve as the basis for an AI image.

Genmoji is another new AI image generation tool, but as the name suggests, it’s for creating custom emojis. Despite countless additions over the years, Apple’s emoji library is still pretty limited, but the introduction of genmoji will offer an endless array of emoticons that you can use to properly express yourself. I’m sure you’re imagining some already.

Writing and text tools

We’re getting a few writing and text tools with Apple Intelligence that could make your life easier. As we’ve seen with Samsung’s Galaxy AI features, Writing Tools includes a summarizer to condense long emails or reports into simplified bullet points, plus rewriting and proofreading functions to make your emails and messages as well-written as possible.

Going even further than rewrites, AI-powered Smart Reply is a fresh feature that gives you the option to send in-depth replies without even typing a word. We’re also expecting priority notifications and priority email features, pushing your most important communications to the top of the pile, so you don’t miss an important text or email because of another annoying Uber Eats notification.

Which iPhones support Apple Intelligence?

To use Apple Intelligence on your smartphone, you’ll need one of the following devices:

• iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max

Unlike Samsung, which has rolled out its AI features across multiple older devices, we’re not expecting Apple to bring Apple Intelligence to anything older than the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

When is Apple Intelligence launching?

At the time of writing, we don’t have a definitive launch date for Apple Intelligence. We know it’s coming with the iOS 18.1 update, but that’s all. It’s important to note that iOS 18 won’t feature the Apple Intelligence tools right off the bat, but its first update, 18.1, should introduce a few of them. We expect that update to arrive sometime between the start of October and the end of November, but it could be later than that if Apple runs into any issues during this final stretch of development.

You can technically try Apple Intelligence in its beta stage by signing up for the iOS 18.1 developer beta. However, early betas often have multiple bugs, some of which can be more nefarious than others. With that in mind, we don’t recommend trying the beta out on your main phone, but if you’re committed, be sure to back up your information and app data on the Cloud first.

Is Apple Intelligence safe?

While it’s fair to have some privacy concerns surrounding Apple Intelligence and its AI features, Apple is doing everything it can to make things as safe as possible. All the AI tools run on the phone, so while Siri may have access to your messages and queries, Apple isn’t taking and storing any of that information. The same goes for any images you create in Image Playground.

With that, you’re up to date in terms of what to expect from Apple Intelligence and iOS 18.1 when it arrives in a few months. If you want to prepare for the new iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence, check out our guides to the best iPhone charging cables and the best iPhone chargers.