Apple Intelligence is finally available on all the best iPhones, best iPads, and best Macs. Apple’s AI brings exciting tools to your device, including Lighting Tools, Cleanup, Notification Summary, and a newly redesigned Siri.
Have you just updated to the latest software but can’t find Apple Intelligence? This guide will show you how to get Apple Intelligence working on your compatible devices and start using the new age of AI-powered Apple software. I will.
Here’s how to get Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Apple intelligence compatibility
Apple Intelligence works with all modern iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Before enabling Apple Intelligence, be sure to double-check that you own one of the compatible devices below.
quick step
- Make sure your device is updated to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1.
- Open Settings, select Apple Intelligence and Siri, and turn on Apple Intelligence
- Wait until you are removed from the waiting list
How to get Apple Intelligence
1. Update to the latest software
(Image: ©Future/Apple)
To get Apple Intelligence, you must first update to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1.
To do this, follow these steps on your iPhone or iPad. Select Settings, then General, then tap Software Update. For Mac users, Go to the Apple logo in the menu bar, then System Settings, then Software Update.
For detailed instructions on how to update your device, check out our How to update your MacBook or How to update your iPhone guides.
Once you’ve verified that your device is compatible with Apple Intelligence and updated to the latest software, enable AI features. The process is slightly different for iPhone and iPad compared to Mac, so we’ll discuss them separately.
Please also note that your device must be in US English to use Apple Intelligence at this time. If not, wait until your language is updated to take advantage of AI, or check out our UK guide for countries outside the EU or China to enable Apple Intelligence.
2. How to get Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad
(Image: ©Future/Apple)
open settingMove to Apple Intelligence and Siri. From there, Toggle on Apple Intelligence. When Apple Intelligence is ready, you’ll be added to the waiting list and receive a notification from your iPhone or iPad. In our tests, this process takes only a few minutes.
3. How to get Apple Intelligence on your Mac
(Image: ©Future/Apple)
click system settingMove to Apple Intelligence and Siri. From there, click Turn on Apple Intelligence. When Apple Intelligence is ready, it will be added to your Waitlist and a notification will pop up on your Mac.
Get started with Apple Intelligence
That’s it. Apple Intelligence is now enabled and you’re ready to enter the world of AI tailored to your Apple devices. These new features are Apple’s first foray into generative AI, so give them a try and see what you think.
Our guide to all Apple Intelligence features details everything the new tool has to offer. If you want to see what we think about Apple Intelligence or are considering a new iPhone that leverages AI, check out our review of the iPhone 16 Pro.
