Apple Intelligence has arrived on iPhones — here are the 9 key features you can use now

When Apple first unveiled Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, it was clear they were setting a new standard for iPhone AI capabilities. The excitement was palpable until the iPhone 16 launched without these powerful new tools.

But as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. iOS 18.1 just left beta and now brings the first set of Apple Intelligence features to exclusive devices with Apple Pro chips, including the iPhone 16 lineup (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max), and iPhone 15 Pro models (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max).

The excitement isn’t just for iPhone users, either. The Apple Intelligence suite is also live on newer iPads (with A17 Pro or M1 and later chips) through iPadOS 18.1 and on Macs through the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. These updates unlock the initial set of AI tools Apple has planned for its ecosystem, with more to come later

For those already in the developer or public beta programs, Apple Intelligence may feel familiar, but iOS 18.1 opens the door for users with compatible devices to experience it firsthand. The feature list is impressive, including features like generative AI writing tools, an upgraded Siri, notification summaries, and even more to come in future updates according to Apple's roadmap for the Apple Intelligence release.

How to use Apple Intelligence on an iPhone

• To try Apple Intelligence now, simply update to iOS 18.1.
• You can do this by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.
• After installing the update, Apple Intelligence can be enabled through Settings > Apple Intelligence and Siri > Join Waitlist.

9 Key Features of Apple Intelligence on iOS 18.1

1. Writing Tools

The Writing Tools, now integrated systemwide in iOS 18.1, enhance text manipulation across various applications, including Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps. The Rewrite feature tailors the tone of your message to suit different contexts. The Proofread function checks grammar, spelling, word choice, and sentence structure while offering suggestions and explanations for review. Additionally, the Summarize option allows users to select text and receive a concise summary in formats such as an easy-to-read paragraph, bulleted key points, a table, or a simple list.

2. Email and Message Summaries

Apple Intelligence can now provide summaries of emails and messages to quickly give users an overview of what a lengthy message entails. With this feature, Apple Intelligence provides concise summaries, giving users the key points without having to read every word. This feature is a lifesaver for those on the go, who can now understand the crux of messages without wading through the details.

3. Transcription and Summarization Tools in Notes and Phone Apps

For users who record audio notes, Apple Intelligence in Notes now provides transcription and summarization, turning recorded content into concise summaries. The feature will record, transcribe, and get the main points all in one go, saving you from hours of replaying and relistening.

You also get a similar functionality in the Phone app. Apple Intelligence introduces automatic call recording (with participant consent), paired with a quick summary once the call ends, that captures the essence of conversations without taking extensive notes. It’s the perfect companion for anyone who needs to revisit the details of important calls without the hassle of handwritten notes.

4. Natural Language Search in Photos

In a bid to streamline searching through the endless camera roll, Apple Intelligence has introduced natural language search in Photos. Users can type in search phrases like “beach trip 2022” or “Mom in a red dress at sunset,” and Apple Intelligence finds matching images or even jumps to specific moments in video clips. This feature brings efficiency to browsing photos, cutting down time spent scrolling.

5. Create Personalized Memories Movies

To help users relive memories, Apple Intelligence now lets you create Memory Movies simply by entering a description. No longer do you have to rely solely on automated slideshows, you can now request a customized montage, and Apple Intelligence will handle the rest. For instance, you can describe a birthday montage or a summer highlights reel, and watch Apple Intelligence do the work turning your favourite moments into memorable mini-movies complete with music.

6. AI-Powered Object and People Removal in Photos

Apple Intelligence has also enhanced the Photos app in ways that finally bring it up to speed with other photo-editing tools. With a new Clean Up tool, Apple lets users remove unwanted objects or people from photos with a simple tap. While it offers minimal control, it’s an easy way to clean up photos with just a tap, making it a welcome addition for quick fixes without the need for professional software.

7. Siri’s Upgrades with Conversational Tone and Context Understanding

While Siri’s biggest updates are yet to come, the improvements in iOS 18.1 are a game-changer. Siri is now able to converse with a more conversational tone, while also having a better understanding of all the things you ask it. For instance, if you ask Siri a question about settings, it will guide you through the steps visually and verbally, so you can follow along without pausing to check each step. It will also understand the context and carry on conversations beyond the initial voice command.

Siri’s interface has also received a stylish makeover. Gone is the central glowing orb; now, a subtle glow appears around the edges of your screen when Siri is summoned. And for those who prefer typing, a double-tap on the screen will bring up a “Type to Siri” option—so you can interact with Siri your way.

While full Siri enhancements—such as deep integrations with ChatGPT—are scheduled for future updates, these improvements already make Siri a far more capable assistant.

8. Smart Replies and Priority Messages in Messages and Mail

Both the Messages and Mail apps now feature Smart Reply offering quick, relevant response options for common queries, ready to send with a simple tap. For instance, if someone invites you to an event, Apple Intelligence might suggest “I’d love to come!” or “Sorry, I can’t make it”—saving time and effort in responding.

Meanwhile, Priority Messages within Mail identifies urgent emails, like invitations or tickets, placing them at the top of the inbox, flagging time-sensitive emails and even summarizing long threads so users can follow conversations effortlessly.

9. A new Reduce Interruptions Focus

Apple also added a new Reduce Interruptions Focus in iOS 18.1 that filters out non-essential notifications, allowing only important alerts to reach you. Apple Intelligence determines which notifications are crucial, so you can avoid constant interruptions while still receiving the messages that matter most. This Focus mode helps maintain productivity by reducing distractions without missing anything essential.

Upcoming Features in Future iOS Updates

While iOS 18.1 brings a suite of new capabilities, some of Apple Intelligence’s most powerful tools, such as Genmoji creation, Visual Intelligence, and deeper Siri integration with ChatGPT, are slated for release in iOS 18.2 and beyond.

These upcoming updates are expected to make Apple Intelligence even more integral to the iOS experience, delivering on the promise of a truly adaptive and interactive AI.

As Apple continues to roll out additional capabilities, the true potential of Apple Intelligence will unfold, promising an AI-powered experience that becomes more responsive, intuitive, and tailored to your needs. For now, users with compatible devices can dive into these features by updating to iOS 18.1 and enabling Apple Intelligence.