Apple Intelligence has officially arrived.
Apple devices received significant upgrades on Monday with the official rollout of the first Apple Intelligence features in the U.S. via the iOS 18.1 software update. This phased approach introduces a range of AI-powered tools, although several anticipated features remain unavailable.
The initial features include enhancements to Siri, which now boasts a more “natural-sounding voice” and improved conversational abilities, as noted on Apple’s website. Other AI-driven features encompass new writing and summary tools, along with enhanced photo-editing capabilities.
However, users will have to wait longer for other AI capabilities, such as Genmoji, which allows users to create personalized emojis, and the much-anticipated ChatGPT integration on Apple devices. Some tech analysts suggest that users might find the current offerings of iOS 18.1 somewhat underwhelming. “If you download it and you have AI, you might even go, ‘Wait, that’s it?’ Because this is coming out in stages,” remarked CNET editor-at-large Bridget Carey during an interview on CBS Mornings.
Regarding the updated Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, Carey remarked, “This is not something that gives you an instant chatbot to converse with on your phone. Think of this as Siri becoming a bit easier to use if you stammer or stumble over commands. It will understand you better, but it’s not going to yield wildly new answers,” she explained.
Device Compatibility with Apple Intelligence
It’s important to note that Apple Intelligence is exclusively compatible with the latest iPhone, iPad, and Mac models equipped with Apple’s Pro chips, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPads with A17 Pro or M1 chips or later, according to Apple. Furthermore, both the device and Siri language settings must be configured to U.S. English for Apple Intelligence to function.
Innovations in the Photos App
One of the most significant enhancements within iOS 18.1 is the introduction of AI-powered tools in the Photos app. A new “Clean Up” feature allows users to effortlessly remove distracting or unwanted objects from their photos with a single tap. Additionally, the app now incorporates natural language search capabilities, facilitating quicker and easier organization of older photos.
Hearing Aids Functionality
The latest software update also enables Apple’s AirPods Pro to serve as hearing aids. This development follows the FDA’s recent authorization of the Hearing Aid Feature (HAF), marking it as the first FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aid software.
The new HAF aims to assist the estimated 30 million Americans suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss due to aging, exposure to loud noises, medical conditions, and other contributing factors, as indicated by the FDA.