Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system built into iPhone, iPad and Mac running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. It combines the power of generative models with an understanding of your personal context to deliver intelligence that’s useful and relevant. Apple Intelligence is designed to understand and create language and images; prioritize and summarize notifications, mail, and messages; and draw from the personal information on your device to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. And it does all this while protecting your privacy. Apple Intelligence requires that your device and Siri languages are set to a supported language. Currently, it’s available in English (US) in most regions, and in December, support will expand to include English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa), and English (UK). Over the next year, Apple will add more languages, including Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and more.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to turn on Apple Intelligence step by step so you can start making the most of this feature. Let’s get started!
Apple Intelligence Requirements for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Before we dive into turning on Apple Intelligence, it’s important to make sure your device meets the necessary requirements. Here’s what you’ll need for each device:
- iPhone and iPad:
- iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 or later.
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max; any iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later.
- At least 4 GB of available storage to support Apple Intelligence features.
- Ensure that your device and Siri languages are set to English (US) or another supported language (see above for the supported languages).
- Apple Intelligence features work best with an internet connection, as they rely on data to provide accurate suggestions and insights.
- Mac:
- macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later.
- Mac with M1 or later.
- At least 4 GB of available storage.
- Device and Siri languages need to be set to a supported language.
- Apple Intelligence on Mac also benefits from an internet connection for optimal performance.
Note: Apple Intelligence is currently in beta. Apple Intelligence uses generative models, and outputs may be inaccurate, unexpected, or offensive. Check important information for accuracy.
How to Turn On Apple Intelligence
Enabling Apple Intelligence is simple, and the steps are the same for all devices–whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Open Settings: On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings.
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Navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri:Tap or click on Siri or Apple Intelligence & Siri.
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Join the Waitlist: Tap or click Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist to get started.
Once you join the waitlist, Apple will notify you when Apple Intelligence becomes available on your device. After it’s activated, you’ll start receiving personalized suggestions and insights that make daily tasks easier.
It may take several hours for activation. You can see the status by going to Settings > Siri or Apple Intelligence & Siri. It may say things like Preparing etc.
For me, it took about 2 hours for activation. After activation, you will need to set it up. Tap or click the notification or open Settings and then click or tap Set Up Apple Intelligence and then follow the onscreen instructions.
Apple Intelligence will not work or be turned on without setting it up.
To turn Apple Intelligence off, go to Settings , tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, then tap the button next to Apple Intelligence.