What Is Apple Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence has transformed the tech world over the last few years — powering everything from creative writing tools to music generation, photography enhancements, translation and more. While brands like Google and Samsung moved quickly to integrate AI into their devices, Apple took a noticeably slower approach. But now, the wait is finally over. Apple has officially unveiled Apple Intelligence, their new systemwide AI experience for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Apple Intelligence (often shortened to Apple AI) launches globally at the end of 2024, and it’s set to change how Apple users interact with their devices every day. Here’s a clear breakdown of what it does and how it works.
If you're tracking upcoming upgrades too, check out our What To Expect From iPhone 17 guide.
What Does Apple AI Actually Do?
Apple Intelligence will begin rolling out internationally from 28th October 2024, with UK support following shortly after in December. It will arrive automatically as part of the iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS updates, meaning no extra downloads or apps required.
The aim of Apple Intelligence is simple: make everyday tasks faster, smarter and more personal. The first wave of features focuses on writing, communication, image creation and device organisation.
New Apple AI Features
Here are some of the most talked-about features coming with Apple Intelligence:
- Writing Tools – rewrite, summarise and enhance text in any app
- Enhanced language skills for translation and multilingual support
- Summarise long documents or messages instantly
- Smart notification prioritisation
- Distraction minimisation to keep you focused
- Mail filtering and improved inbox sorting
- Smart Reply suggestions
- Genmoji – personalised AI-generated emojis
- Image Playground – create custom AI artwork in seconds
- Image Wand – turn rough sketches into detailed AI illustrations
- Search in photos and videos using natural language
- Clean Up – remove unwanted objects from photos
- Personalised Siri with far deeper context and memory
The overall vision is clear: simplify the mobile experience and help users get tasks done with less effort.
Apple may have arrived late to the AI party — Samsung launched Galaxy AI in January 2024, Google began rolling out Pixel AI in March 2023 and ChatGPT started the trend back in 2022 — but Apple is positioning Apple Intelligence as its biggest software shift in years.
Does Apple AI Use ChatGPT?
Yes — but only when you want it to. Apple has partnered with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT integration directly into Siri and Writing Tools. Siri can now automatically ask ChatGPT for help with creative tasks, recipe ideas, rewriting text, research summaries and more.
Users stay fully in control:
- You choose when ChatGPT is used
- You don’t need a ChatGPT account
- It’s completely free to access through Apple Intelligence
This means you get the power of ChatGPT without switching apps or juggling browser tabs.
Which Devices Will Support Apple Intelligence?
Not every Apple device will support the new features — Apple Intelligence requires much stronger on-device processing than older iPhones or iPads can provide.
Supported devices include:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPad Pro (M-series)
- iPad Air (M-series)
- MacBook Air (M-series)
- MacBook Pro (M-series)
- iMac (M-series)
- Mac Mini (M-series)
- Mac Studio
- Mac Pro
If you want to compare Apple’s current models before Apple Intelligence arrives, take a look at our iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 comparison.
Apple has invested heavily in Apple Intelligence — even cancelling major projects like the Apple Car and Apple Robot to focus fully on AI development. While it’s disappointing that the feature is limited to newer models only, the performance requirements explain why older devices simply can’t run the system safely.
With a major rollout scheduled for the end of 2024, the next year of Apple updates is set to be one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in a decade.
