Highlights
- Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 16 series will be rolled out in stages.
- It will start with iOS 18.1 in October.
- Initially available only in English.
- Feature Highlights: iOS 18.1 will include writing tools, AI-powered Focus mode, transcript summaries, and new Siri upgrades.
- iOS 18.2 will add Genmoji, image generation tools, and ChatGPT integration.
Screengrab of Apple Intelligence Introduction. (Image credit – Apple YouTube)
The newly launched iPhone 16 series has Apple Intelligence as of one its main highlights.
However, the excitement around the Apple Intelligence in iPhone 16 has turned out to be a little buzzkill. Now Apple users have to wait for key features thanks to Apple’s scattered release plans.
Apple earlier announced that Apple Intelligence would not be immediately available on the iPhone 16 series.
The advanced Apple Intelligence tools, instead, will be rolled out in stages. The first release along with iOS 18.1 will start with a public release in the U.S. in October. The first set of features will initially only be available in English.
Here’s all you need to know about Apple Intelligence features in coming iOS 18 releases.
Apple Intelligence Features Coming in iOS 18.1
iOS 18.1 will be available in October. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple Intelligence features to be included with iOS 18.1 launch are as follows:
- Writing tools to proofread, rewrite, and more
- AI-powered Focus mode
- Transcript summaries
- New Siri with some of its coming upgrades
- Notification summaries
- Clean Up and Memory creation in Photos
- Mail and Safari content summaries
Apple Intelligence Features Scheduled for iOS 18.2
Later in December 2024, iOS 18.2 will drop another lot of Apple Intelligence features.
As per reports, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 will release the following new Apple Intelligence feature –
- Genmoji, for creating custom emoji
- Image Playground and other image generation tools
- ChatGPT integration for Siri and writing tools
- Siri’s personal context awareness too
- Apple Intelligence is also expected to be released in localized English to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom
How Regular Apple Intelligence Feature Drops Help Apple?
9to5Mac’s Ryan Christoffel, in a recent report, outlines two main reasons they believe a scattered Apple Intelligence release is eventually in Apple’s favour.
The first reason as per Christoffel is that AI in itself is something worth going slow in order to get it right.
We have previously seen Pixel 9 dealing with issues after releasing AI-enabled features in one go and dealing with feedback from all corners on everything all at once.
A slow and steady release of Apple Intelligence features will help Apple in minimizing the post-release PR headache.
Secondly, Christoffel believes a constant drop in new AI features will establish Apple’s position as a major AI player.
Although Apple releasing Intelligence features in gaps is certainly due to the many features not being ready, it actually helps the Cupertino giant in keeping things planned.
“Apple Intelligence isn’t just a group of features in a single software update. It’s a set of powerful upgrades that will make Apple devices better every couple of months moving forward. And help Apple look like an AI leader in the process,” writes Christoffel in their report.
iOS 18 release date
iPhone users will be able to download iOS 18 on eligible iPhones starting Monday, September 16.
Apple announced the release date at its iPhone launch event.
New iPhone 16 buyers, who will be receiving the new devices on September 20, will have iOS 18 installed.
However, for those who are not upgrading and will be sticking to older iPhones, you can install iOS 18 when it becomes available on September 16, provided your device supports the latest software.
Which iPhone models will get iOS 18?
As per Apple, the following iPhone models will be able to run iOS 18 when it becomes available on September 16 –
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
FAQs
When will the Apple Intelligence features be available on the iPhone 16 series?
The Apple Intelligence features will be rolled out in stages, starting with iOS 18.1 in October, initially available only in English.
What features are included in the iOS 18.1 update?
Answer. iOS 18.1 will include writing tools, AI-powered Focus mode, transcript summaries, new Siri upgrades, notification summaries, and photo memory creation.
What additional features will be introduced in iOS 18.2?
iOS 18.2 will add Genmoji for creating custom emojis, image generation tools, ChatGPT integration for Siri, and Siri’s personal context awareness.
What are the key Apple Intelligence features in the iOS 18.1 beta?
Here are some of the key Apple Intelligence features in the iOS 18.1 beta so far:
A few Siri enhancements, including improved understanding for both follow-up requests and when you stumble over your words Writing tools for rewriting, summarizing, and proofreading text
Notification summaries for Messages, Mail, and many other apps
Suggested replies in the Messages and Mail apps
A new “Clean Up” tool in the Photos app that can remove unwanted people or objects from photos and use generative AI to fill in the background
The ability to create a Memories movie in the Photos app by typing a description
Phone call recording and transcription
A new Focus mode called Reduce Interruptions that surfaces important notifications only
Article summaries when using Reader Mode in the Safari app.
Read More: Key Apple Intelligence Features Might Not Arrive Until December with iOS 18.2 Update