Apple has officially launched its Apple Intelligence feature on the latest iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices, introducing more than six advanced smart functionalities.
In addition, Apple unveiled a newly designed all-in-one iMac, seamlessly combining the computer and display into a single unit. The new iMac is equipped with the state-of-the-art M4 chip, which boasts an AI accelerator performance reportedly three times faster than Apple’s 2020 chips.
The Apple Intelligence suite was first introduced in detail during Apple’s June WWDC developer conference, presenting a range of AI capabilities. Some of these features are integrated into Apple’s operating systems, while others will be available through applications. The Apple Intelligence functionalities are supported by neural networks hosted both on the device and the cloud.
The newly released AI features primarily focus on text processing tasks. On supported devices, users can now have Apple Intelligence generate summaries for their notifications and emails. These email summaries will appear in the Mail app’s inbox section pre-installed on Apple devices. Additionally, the app has introduced a second AI feature called Priority Messages, which automatically identifies important messages and places them at the top of the list.
Another set of text processing enhancements is provided through the new “Writing Tools” feature. This tool can not only summarize various types of text (beyond just notifications and emails) but also streamline the content in other ways. Users can utilize this feature to extract key points from documents and convert them into lists or spreadsheets.
The feature also supports other specific tasks. Apple stated that users can have the Writing Tools automatically rewrite text in professional, friendly, or concise styles.
Apple will also introduce more Apple Intelligence features in its Photos app and Siri. The Siri assistant is being upgraded with a new interface and enhanced capabilities to answer technical questions related to user devices. Meanwhile, the Photos app now includes an AI tool called “Clean Up,” which can quickly remove objects from images.
Looking ahead, Apple plans to release a second batch of AI features, enabling Apple Intelligence to handle more tasks. One such feature will allow users to photograph objects like road signs and have the AI model generate explanations. Another upcoming feature involves integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which will enable Siri to answer more complex questions than it currently can.
The new iMac launched alongside Apple Intelligence has also garnered significant attention. This latest iMac is powered by Apple’s newly released M4 processor, a system-on-a-chip based on a three-nanometer process node, which was introduced in May alongside the latest iPad Pro.
Like Apple’s previous M-series chips, the M4 includes a neural network engine optimized for AI workloads. Apple claims that this accelerator is three times faster than the one in the first-generation M1, which debuted four years ago. The M4 also features a graphics processing unit and a central processing unit with Apple’s fastest core design in its class.
The entry-level iMac comes with a 24-inch 4.5K display and a 12-megapixel camera. The high-end configuration offers a display version made with so-called nano-texture glass, which reduces reflections and glare. Users can also customize other hardware details: Apple provides flash memory options ranging from 16 to 32GB and up to four Thunderbolt ports.
Apple announced that more Apple Intelligence features will be released in December. By then, ChatGPT will be integrated into Siri; the Writing Tools will allow users to describe the changes they want Apple’s AI to make; and Apple’s AI camera feature, “Visual Intelligence,” will be able to recognize objects around the user. In the coming months, Apple also plans to introduce priority notification features and major upgrades to Siri, including screen content awareness and the ability to perform actions within apps.
While the promised AI features may still be some time away, users can begin testing these basic functionalities by downloading iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. The Apple Intelligence features will initially be available in US English, with additional languages to follow next year. Moreover, to use these features, users will need the latest Apple hardware, as they are primarily designed for M-series chips and the newest iPhones and iPads.
In December, the availability of Apple Intelligence will expand to Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with more languages set to launch in April.
Users interested in trying out the Apple Intelligence features need to join the waiting list first. After updating to iOS 18.1, users should go to “Settings,” select “Apple Intelligence & Siri,” and click on the “Join Apple Intelligence Waiting List” option. Apple stated that the feature is typically activated within a few hours of joining the waiting list.
