Apple has released software updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, enabling Apple Intelligence by default for supported devices. The updates, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3, also disable AI summaries in the news app, which had been criticized for inaccuracies. This release marks a significant milestone for Apple Intelligence, Apple's suite of AI features, as the company aims to differentiate its products by integrating AI systems into iPhones and other devices.
Apple Intelligence has been featured in marketing for the latest iPhones, but its rollout has been cautious and limited. The company is testing new features and ensuring sufficient server capacity before a broader launch. Currently, the full suite is in an official testing phase, available only in select English-speaking countries.
With the new updates, Apple Intelligence will be automatically enabled, expanding its reach. Previously, users of supported iPhone models—those released in 2024 and the 2023 "Pro" models—were prompted to activate the feature during setup, which involved downloading AI models from the internet.
The latest update simplifies this process, automatically enabling Apple Intelligence when users install the update. This feature is designed to rewrite text, generate images, and summarize long emails and message threads. According to Apple's developer release notes, new users or those upgrading to iOS 18.3 will have Apple Intelligence activated upon signing in to their iPhone. Users can disable it by navigating to the Apple Intelligence page in the settings app.