Apple announced the release of iOS 18.1 on Monday, introducing its new artificial intelligence feature, Apple Intelligence, for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models. The update also includes enhancements for iPad and Mac devices. This launch marks a significant step for Apple as it aims to leverage this AI feature to boost its marketing strategy for the recently launched iPhone 16 lineup. The move addresses investor concerns about Apple’s AI direction, distinguishing itself from competitors that focus on large-scale cloud AI solutions.
Among the initial capabilities of Apple Intelligence are tools for writing assistance, such as proofreading and text rewriting, as well as features for object removal in photos and a notification summarization tool.
Additionally, improvements to Siri were included in this update, featuring a redesign that lights up the edges of the screen. Siri now answers queries related to Apple products and offers more natural voice options. However, Siri still lacks the ability to perform actions within apps, with this functionality expected to be integrated in a future update next year. Future enhancements, including ChatGPT integration and image generation, are anticipated in the upcoming iOS 18.2 update.
Analysts, including Wamsi Mohan from Bank of America Securities, suggest that Apple Intelligence has the potential to initiate a significant upgrade cycle and solidify Apple’s standing as a leader in AI technology. Mohan indicated expectations for increased iPhone demand following the broader rollout of Apple Intelligence in late October.
To use Apple Intelligence, users must have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any model from the iPhone 16 series. The AI functions primarily rely on the iPhone’s processing chip, which is why older models are incompatible. Users need to enable Apple Intelligence through the Settings app and may be placed on a waitlist, although access was typically granted on the same day during the beta phase over the summer. Following activation, devices will download the necessary AI model files for proper functioning.