Apple Intelligence is Apple’s set of generative AI features for compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Vision Pro; it is not available on every Apple device or in every language. Availability depends on the hardware, software version, language settings and region, and the features can change as Apple expands the service.
What Apple Intelligence includes
Apple Intelligence combines on-device processing with Apple’s Private Cloud Compute for some requests. Its tools are woven into system apps rather than offered as one separate chatbot. Depending on the device and software release, features include writing assistance, image creation, notification summaries, a more capable Siri interface and integration with ChatGPT.
- Writing Tools: Rewrite, proofread or summarize selected text in supported apps, and generate different tones or formats.
- Image features: Create images with Image Playground, make custom Genmoji, or use tools such as Clean Up to remove certain distractions from photos.
- System assistance: Summaries can appear for supported notifications, messages and other content. Siri can accept typed requests and handle some requests with greater context.
- ChatGPT integration: With permission, Siri or Writing Tools can send suitable requests to ChatGPT. This is an optional integration, distinct from Apple’s own models.
The exact feature set is not identical across operating systems, devices or releases. Some announced capabilities have arrived later than others, and features may be unavailable in particular apps, languages or regions.
Supported devices
Apple Intelligence requires relatively recent hardware. The main supported groups are:
- iPhone: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, plus iPhone 16 models and later compatible generations.
- iPad: iPad models with an M-series chip, and iPad mini with A17 Pro.
- Mac: Mac models with an M-series chip.
- Apple Vision Pro: Supported with compatible visionOS software where the feature is available.
Standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not qualify, despite being part of the same generation as the 15 Pro models. The distinction is the required chip and memory capability, not simply the product’s age. Likewise, an older iPad or Intel-based Mac does not become compatible by installing a newer operating system.
For a definitive check, open Settings > General > About on iPhone or iPad, or choose Apple menu > About This Mac on a Mac, and compare the model and chip with Apple’s current compatibility list. On Vision Pro, check the model and installed visionOS version in Settings.
Languages and regional availability
Language support has expanded over time, so an old list can quickly become misleading. Apple Intelligence initially launched in U.S. English and has since added languages including localized English varieties, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Simplified Chinese and additional language support in later software releases. The current list depends on the operating system and feature; Apple’s availability page is the authoritative place to check a particular language.
For many features, the device language and Siri language must be set to the same supported language. Changing just the keyboard language is not enough. To check, go to Settings > General > Language & Region and Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri on iPhone or iPad. On a Mac, check System Settings > General > Language & Region and the Apple Intelligence and Siri settings.
Language and country are separate requirements. A supported language does not guarantee that every feature is available in every region. Availability may also differ for users in the European Union, mainland China or other markets because of local rollout and regulatory conditions. Check Apple’s current regional notes before assuming that a feature is missing because of a device problem.
How to turn it on and start using it
Update a compatible device to the latest software version offered for that model, then look for Apple Intelligence controls in Settings or System Settings. Follow the on-screen setup; some features require models or data to download, so Wi-Fi and available storage can matter. Once enabled, features appear in their supported locations—for example, select text to find Writing Tools, or use Image Playground where available.
- Confirm the device model is supported, not just that it can install the latest operating system.
- Install the latest compatible iOS, iPadOS, macOS or visionOS update.
- Set the device and Siri to a supported matching language, if the feature requires it.
- Open the Apple Intelligence settings and enable it or complete the setup prompt.
- Allow any required downloads to finish, then test a feature in a supported app.
Feature names and settings can move between releases. If the relevant control is absent, check compatibility, update availability, language, region and storage before treating it as a fault.
Privacy, ChatGPT and limitations
Apple says many requests are processed on the device. For tasks needing more capability, Private Cloud Compute can process requests on Apple silicon servers, with Apple describing the system as designed to avoid retaining request data and to permit independent security inspection. These protections do not mean every feature works offline or that every kind of information should be shared indiscriminately.
ChatGPT is an optional third-party service. When a request is sent to it, the applicable ChatGPT terms and privacy practices matter; the system asks before sharing information in relevant situations, and users can manage the integration in settings. A ChatGPT account may be needed for certain capabilities, while basic use can be available without signing in, subject to current limits and terms.
Generated summaries, rewrites and answers can be incomplete or wrong. Treat them as drafts, verify important details against the original source, and review text before sending or publishing. Apple Intelligence also does not replace normal app features: a tool may not appear in an app that does not support it, and generated content may take time or fail if a download, connection or service is unavailable.
Common availability problems
- “My iPhone is recent, so why is it unsupported?” Some models lack the required chip or memory. In particular, iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are not equivalent to the 15 Pro models for this feature.
- The setting is missing: Check the exact model, software update, region and supported-language requirements. Restarting may help after a completed update, but cannot make unsupported hardware compatible.
- It is enabled but features are absent: Not every feature is available in every app, language or release. Confirm that setup downloads have finished and try a supported system app.
- It seems stuck during setup: Check Wi-Fi, free storage and whether the device is still downloading required components. Keep the device connected and updated, then revisit the setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Intelligence free?
Apple includes its own Apple Intelligence features with compatible devices and software; there is not a separate Apple Intelligence subscription. Third-party services such as ChatGPT may have their own optional accounts, plans or usage limits.
Does Apple Intelligence work on iPhone 15?
It works on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not the standard iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus. iPhone 16 models and later compatible generations are supported.
Can I use Apple Intelligence in English outside the United States?
Often, if the device and Siri are set to a supported English variety and the feature is available in that region. Regional restrictions can still apply, so check Apple’s current availability information.
Do I need an internet connection?
Not for every task: some processing can happen on-device. Cloud processing, ChatGPT requests, downloads and other services may need an internet connection.
Can I disable Apple Intelligence?
Yes. Use the Apple Intelligence controls in Settings on iPhone or iPad, or System Settings on Mac. Available controls can vary by operating system and feature.
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