To use Apple Intelligence, update an eligible iPhone, iPad or Mac to the 27 software release (iOS 27, iPadOS 27 or macOS 27 Golden Gate) and set your device language and Siri language to the same supported language. Apple Intelligence then switches on as part of the operating system. For the new Siri, go to Settings, Siri, Try Siri AI (Beta).
Apple Intelligence is Apple's set of AI features built into its software. It writes and proofreads text, summarises messages and notifications, edits photos, makes images, translates conversations and powers a new version of Siri. There's no app to download. If your device qualifies, it's already there after the update. Here's how to check, set it up and use the features most people want.
Step 1: Check your device
Apple lists these devices for Apple Intelligence on the 27 releases:
- iPhone: iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 models or later, iPhone Air and iPhone Duo.
- iPad: iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later.
- Mac: Mac with M1 or later, and MacBook Neo (A18 Pro).
- Apple Watch: Series 9 or later, Ultra 2 or later and SE 3, when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.
- Apple Vision Pro.
If your iPhone is a standard iPhone 15 or older, it won't get Apple Intelligence, even after the update.
Step 2: Free up storage
Check this before anything else. Apple says Apple Intelligence needs up to 14 GB of storage on iPhone 17 Pro models and later, iPhone Air, iPhone Duo and some higher-memory iPads and Macs, and up to 8 GB on other eligible models. Apple Watch needs up to 1.5 GB. During and just after a software update it can temporarily use more, while new models download.
Step 3: Match your languages
Your device language and Siri language must be set to the same supported language. Apple warns that if you change your Siri language, Apple Intelligence might stop working until the new Siri language has fully downloaded and matches the device language. Supported languages include English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
Step 4: Turn on Siri AI
- Update your device, then open Settings.
- Tap Siri. If Siri is off, tap Turn On Siri first.
- Tap Try Siri AI (Beta).
- Follow the steps to pick a voice, complete voice enrolment and review your privacy settings.
- You're added to a waitlist. Siri AI downloads automatically when your wait is over.
Apple says Siri AI can answer questions about almost anything, understand what's in your messages, emails and photos, answer questions about what's on your screen and look things up on the web. It's in beta and currently in English. One important exception: Apple says Siri AI isn't available on iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch in the EU, but you can use it on Mac and Vision Pro with English set.
Step 5: Use the everyday features
| Feature | What it does | Works on |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Tools | Writes, improves and summarises text | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro |
| Clean Up, Extend, Reframe | Removes distractions, extends a photo beyond its frame, adjusts perspective (open a photo in Photos) | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Image Playground and Genmoji | Creates images and custom emoji | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro |
| Summaries | Summarises notifications, Mail and Messages | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro |
| Live Translation | Translates in Messages, Phone, FaceTime and with AirPods | iPhone, plus iPad and Mac for some |
| Automatic proofreading | Proofreads your writing | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
Some newer features, including Siri AI, advanced photo editing and Image Playground, rely on Apple's servers and have daily usage limits. Apple says those limits vary by feature and demand, and that expanded access will be available for a fee in the future.
Using Apple Intelligence for a small business
- Use Writing Tools to turn rough notes into a polite customer email, or shorten a long reply.
- Use Clean Up on product photos to remove clutter in the background before posting.
- Let Mail summaries and priority messages surface the emails that need you first.
- Use Live Translation on calls with customers or suppliers who speak another language.
For more on what's behind it, my explainer on what Apple Intelligence is covers the basics, and my guide to Visual Intelligence shows how to point your camera at things and ask about them.
How to turn features off
You can switch off individual features in Settings. Apple's steps include turning off Summarize Messages under Apps and Messages, Summarize Message Previews under Apps and Mail, and Summarize Notifications under Notifications. To go back to the old Siri, turn Siri off, turn it back on and choose Siri Classic. You can also restrict features with Screen Time.
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Regional limits to know
Apple says Apple Intelligence features won't currently work on supported devices bought in mainland China, or on other devices when you're in mainland China with an Apple Account region there. Elsewhere, features keep working when you travel.
My advice
Before you blame your phone, check three things in order: the model, the free storage and that your device and Siri languages match. Those are the requirements Apple lists, so they're the first things to rule out. Then start with Writing Tools and Clean Up, which save time on day one without needing Siri AI.
Switching AI features off elsewhere is covered in our TikTok AI summary guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhones can use Apple Intelligence?
Apple lists iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 models or later, iPhone Air and iPhone Duo for the 27 releases.
How do I turn on Siri AI?
Go to Settings, tap Siri, then Try Siri AI (Beta). Follow the steps to choose a voice and review privacy settings. You'll join a waitlist and it downloads automatically.
Why isn't Apple Intelligence showing on my iPhone?
Check that your model is eligible, that you have enough free storage (up to 8 GB or 14 GB depending on model) and that your device language and Siri language match a supported language.
Is Apple Intelligence free?
It comes with the operating system on eligible devices. Apple says some server-based features have daily usage limits, and expanded access will be available for a fee in the future.
Is Siri AI available in the EU?
Apple says Siri AI isn't available on iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch in the EU. It's available on Mac and Apple Vision Pro with an EU account region and English set as the device and Siri language.
