Apple has released iOS 18.1 for developers, bringing the first implementation of Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant.
However, before developers get too excited, the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta comes with two huge catches. First, Apple Inteligence is only available in this release to developers in the United States.
Apple notes before you download the update that “Both device language and Siri language must be set to U.S. English, and the device region must be set to United States.” Apple also specifically states that Apple Intelligence is not available in the EU or China.
If that wasn’t enough of a disappointment, Apple Intelligence comes with a Waitlist.
Once you’ve updated your Apple Intelligence-capable device to iOS 18.1, macOS 15.1 or iPadOS 18.1, you first need to open the Settings app.
Here, you’ll find a new option, Apple Intelligence and Siri. Select this and then at the top of the next screen tap Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
This will take you to another screen describing key Apple Intelligence features such as “New Tools to Express Yourself,” “A New Era for Siri,” and “Groundbreaking Privacy.” Tap the blue button marked Join Waitlist and wait.
Quite a few developers have reported that the wait time is just a matter of a few minutes, though this may increase as more people sign up.
It should also be pointed out that as of now, it’s only available on two current iPhones, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It will be available on all iPhone 16 models whene they are released.
It will also work on iPads with M1 or later chips, if you download the iPadOS 18.1 beta and with Macs with the same chips, with the beta of macOS 15.1.
Apple Intelligence
Deeply integrated into iOS 18 and built with privacy from the ground up, Apple Intelligence unlocks new ways for users to enhance their writing and communicate more effectively.
With brand-new systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
New image capabilities make communication and self-expression even more fun. With Image Playground, users can create playful images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is easy to use, built right into apps like Messages, and also available in a dedicated app.
Memories in Photos lets users create the stories they want to see just by typing a description. Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc.
In addition, a new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.
With the power of Apple Intelligence, Siri takes a major step forward, becoming even more natural, contextually relevant, and personal. Users can type to Siri, and switch between text and voice to communicate with Siri in whatever way feels right for the moment.
