Apple Intelligence brings some of the biggest new features to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The feature is being released gradually, starting with today’s iOS and iPadOS 18.1 update for the iPhone 15 Pro series, all iPhone 16 models, and all iPads with the A17 Pro chip or later. All Macs running M-series chips also get Apple Intelligence with today’s macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. While new features are appealing, not everyone wants to use artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities on their smartphones or other devices. If you’re skeptical, you can turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or other compatible Apple device. Or, if you want to use Apple’s AI, you might actually need to join a waitlist first. Whether you need AI or not, here’s everything you need to know to enable Apple Intelligence.
How to enable Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
To enable Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad, first update to iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1. After the update, you will see on-screen instructions to enable Apple Intelligence. Just follow the workflow we’ve outlined to enable it. If you skipped the workflow or did not see these steps, you can also proceed to the next step. Settings > Apple Intelligence and Siri and enable apple intelligence There. Despite the name “& Siri,” this toggle also controls access to other Apple Intelligence features.
Some people may not immediately see the option to enable Apple Intelligence. Instead, you may see the option . Join the Apple Intelligence waitlist. Select it and wait for Apple’s AI to be deployed to your device. The journey takes only 2 hours, but may take longer. Don’t worry, you’ll receive a notification once you make it through the waiting list. Apple does this to manage server load.
If you still don’t see the option to enable Apple Intelligence, make sure your device language and Siri language are set to US English, as Apple Intelligence is currently only available in that language. Find your device language setting under language and region in common Tabs and the Siri language below them Siri Tabs within the same app. If you still don’t see the Apple Intelligence toggle, it may not be available in your region.
How to turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
The use of AI raises many concerns, including high energy usage, privacy issues, and even the potential for reduced reliability that simply comes with new and immature technology. If you don’t want to use Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad, you can easily disable it. go to Settings > Apple Intelligence and Siri and switch off apple intelligence. A confirmation pop-up will appear; select it. Turn off Apple Intelligence. This will remove AI from your device.
How to enable/disable Apple Intelligence on Mac
Apple Intelligence is also available on Mac, where turning it on and off follows a similar process as on iPhone and iPad. Just move to apple icon menuclick System settingsClick and find the Apple Intelligence toggle below. Apple Intelligence and Siri. As above, you may need to join a waitlist or change the language on your device (go to the following link). System settings -> common -> language and region) or Siri language (System settings -> Siri and Spotlight).
