Apple Intelligence has officially landed – well, sort of. Apple’s latest AI features are technically available on iPhones now but, before you get too excited, you’ll need to check if your device made the cut. And, even if it did, brace yourself: you might still be facing a queue.
Here’s what you need to know about Apple Intelligence, the new software that has iPhone users excited but confused.
How to get Apple Intelligence
The first thing you need to know about Apple Intelligence is that it’s only available on select iPhones, including last year’s iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and the latest iPhone 16 range.
In order to access it, you’ll need to download iOS 18.1, which arrived on Monday, October 28. If you don’t have it already, head to settings>general>software update to download and install it now.
How to turn on Apple Intelligence
With your iPhone updated, you’ll be able to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist. Once again, open your settings and then tap the new Apple Intelligence & Siri option. Now, tap “Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist” and wait for a notification that tells you it’s ready for activation.
As soon as you get pinged about it, return to settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri to turn the AI features on – and now you should be good to go.
What settings do you need to change for Apple Intelligence?
For the new features to work properly, Brits will also have to change their device language and Siri language settings to US English (support for UK English will follow in December).
To do so, open settings > general > language and region > add language > choose English (United States) and set it as your preferred language.
While in settings, you should also change Siri’s language by heading to Apple Intelligence & Siri > language > and choosing English (United States). You may need to restart your iPhone for the changes to take full effect.
How long is the Apple Intelligence waitlist?
Hold on, there’s a waitlist? Yes, everything about Apple Intelligence screams exclusivity, but there’s more to the strategy than just building hype.
By controlling access, Apple can scale up gradually, keep servers humming, and gather feedback from early adopters. It also keeps the experience smooth for those who do get in early. Seeing as the feature is still in beta, this phased approach lets Apple fine-tune the AI before a wider release.
Keeping with this tentative approach, Apple will roll out additional features (including image generation, which also comes with a seperate waitlist, and the upgraded Siri in the coming months).
The waiting time can vary, but users typically report gaining access within 15 to 30 minutes to an hour after joining the waitlist. However, some users have noted wait times of up to three hours. Still, chances are, you should get the new perks on the same day you request them.
How to use Apple Intelligence
You can find the various Apple Intelligence perks scattered around your iPhone. You can bring up the AI-powered rewriting options by highlighting text in emails and messages.
In Mail, you should see AI-generated summaries above your received emails. Head to Photos, and you’ll be able to scrub unwanted images and objects from your pics. Plus, Siri has a new animation and you can type to the digital helper.
For a deep dive on all the new tricks, check out our Apple Intelligence how-to.
