Just when the tech world thought it had seen everything from Apple, the tech giant is rolling out some exciting new artificial intelligence features under the banner of Apple Intelligence. With the latest updates to its operating systems—iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and MacOS 15.1—Apple is pushing the envelope on what its devices can do, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Apple Intelligence was first hinted at during the company's Worldwide Developer Conference back in June, igniting curiosity about how it would change the user experience. Now, with the features finally accessible, many users are wondering what they entail and how they can get onboard the Apple AI train.
To access Apple Intelligence, you need to own one of the latest devices—namely, the iPhone 15 or 16, any iPad equipped with A17 Pro or M1 chips, or any Mac running on M1 silicon. You'll also need to update to the newest versions of the operating systems and opt-in to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist. According to industry insiders, this waitlist approach is strategic as Apple is managing the server and network loads to handle AI requests effectively.
Why keep potential users waiting? The company is currently testing its new infrastructure capabilities. Virtually everyone who signed up right away found themselves accepted fairly quickly. For example, tech reviewer Jim Rossman reported getting his approval within just one hour of signing up!
So what exactly can you do with Apple Intelligence? Some of its intriguing features include advanced writing tools. This tech allows you to summarize, proofread, and rewrite any text, adjusting the tone to make it sound more professional, friendly, or concise—all at the click of your mouse. If you find yourself clicking through long emails, you'll appreciate the new Smart Reply option, which predicts likely responses based on the tone of the conversation.
Interestingly, the Photos app has also received some nifty upgrades. One new feature, called Clean Up, lets users easily remove unwanted objects from images just by circling them. Rossman tested this out and was quite impressed with how quickly and accurately the tool worked to clean up the backgrounds of his images. Users can also utilize natural language to search for pictures. Imagine simply typing “birthday parties” or “beach vacations,” and voilà—you get presented with the relevant photos from your library.
Apple’s digital assistant, Siri, is also getting smarter with this upgrade. Users can type requests instead of vocally issuing commands, and they’re even able to inquire how to use various Apple products more effectively—say, asking how to increase text size on their screen.
But that's not the end of Apple's AI aspirations. Industry experts suggest the tech giant is just getting started and indicate more features are forthcoming. Frequent software updates will be key to rolling out these enhancements, and users are encouraged to keep automatic updates activated.
Meanwhile, in another corner of Apple's grand strategy, the company is reportedly seeking Foxconn's help to establish AI server manufacturing facilities using its Apple M-series silicon chips. This approach aims to bolster the infrastructure necessary to support Apple Intelligence features across devices. According to sources, Apple recognizes the need for enhanced data center capabilities to help it compete with fellow tech behemoths like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
While Foxconn has been Apple's long-term supplier for iPhones, its experience producing AI servers for Nvidia is particularly appealing to Apple as it seeks to ramp up its server design and engineering capabilities. Nevertheless, Foxconn's current obligations may limit its capacity to take on Apple's request fully, prompting discussions with additional partners, including Lenovo.
The goal with these new server collaborations is to tap local engineering talent and potentially increase production outside of China. Apple is reportedly exploring partnerships not just with Foxconn but also with smaller manufacturers like Universal Scientific Industrial, all aiming to establish additional production facilities primarily based out of Southeast Asia.
This proactive approach emphasizes Apple's determination to catch up with its rivals who are significantly investing in AI infrastructure. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon have already begun building their AI data centers to accommodate the growing demand for AI solutions, and Apple's accelerated push mirrors these trends.
Despite the competition, Apple continues to innovate. Its Apple Intelligence suite promises to deliver advanced features to users, enhancing productivity and communication through smart technologies.
This ambitious move encapsulates Apple’s commitment to keeping pace with or potentially leading other tech giants as the world moves increasingly toward AI-driven solutions. And who knows—given Apple’s track record, the next big thing might be just around the corner, waiting to be revealed.
