Apple Intelligence debuted on the best iPhones, iPads, and Macs, with new, advanced features like Writing Tools, Clean Up, a new Notification Summaries mode, and a wholly refurbished Siri. If you’ve since updated to the latest System but still don’t have Apple Intelligence, follow our guide to activate it from a compatible device and try Apple’s new AI tricks.
Compatible Devices for Apple Intelligence
You must be in one of the following devices to access Apple Intelligence.
- iPhones: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPads: 5th-gen M1 iPad Air (2022), 6th-gen M2 iPad Air (2024), 5th-gen M1 iPad Pro (2021), 6th-gen M2 iPad Pro (2022), 7th-gen M4 iPad Pro (2024), 7th-gen A17 Pro iPad mini (2024)
- Mac: MacBook Air M1/2/3, MacBook Pro M1/2/3, iMac M1/3, Mac mini M1/2, Mac Studio M1/2, Mac Pro M2
Steps for How to Turn on Apple Intelligence in Quick Steps:
- Software Update: you may look at the iOS 18.1, iPad 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1
- Activation of Apple Intelligence: You may go through Settings –> select “Apple Intelligence & Siri” and click on “Apple Intelligence.”
- Waitlist process: You may get on the waitlist; automatically prompted when Apple Intelligence is ready.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Upgrade to the Latest Operating System
To use Apple Intelligence, your device should have iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1. To do so:
- iPhone/iPad: Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Mac: Click the Apple logo on the menu bar and select System
- Settings > Software Update.
- See our “How to Update a MacBook” or “How to Update an iPhone” tutorials for detailed information.
- Turning Apple Intelligence on for iPhone or iPad
- On your device, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- Activate “Apple Intelligence“
- Your device will add you to a waiting list and notify you once the feature is ready. This may take up to a few minutes.
- How to Turn On Apple Intelligence for Mac
Go to System Settings, search “Apple Intelligence & Siri,” and turn it on. You will be added to a waitlist and notified when the feature is live.
Apple Intelligence is currently only available in US English. If your device is set to another language, you can wait until the update or do our tutorial on enabling Apple Intelligence outside the US.
Explore Apple Intelligence Features
When you turn on Apple Intelligence, discover new AI capabilities to power your Apple experience. Enhance your writing or manage your notifications through more intelligent systems. Read our complete analysis of what to expect from Apple Intelligence features here. Want to purchase one of these phones for such advanced features? Read our iPhone 16 Pro review first.