Apple Intelligence

Overview

Apple Intelligence is a collection of macOS and iOS AI-powered tools that boost productivity, communication, and creativity by using your personal data and special on-device models.

At this time, Apple Intelligence is approved for general use on UO computers with the notes and cautions below. This may change as Apple releases new features or makes other changes.

How Apple Intelligence Works

Apple Intelligence utilizes on-device processing and private cloud compute. Most data processing occurs directly on the user’s iPhone, iPad, or Mac, ensuring personal information remains on the device. When cloud computing is necessary, it employs a private cloud model, which ensures data is used solely for its intended purposes and not stored. This approach helps maintain the privacy and security of personal information while providing AI capabilities.

The main parts of Apple Intelligence are:

• On-Device Processing: Apple Intelligence mostly works on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This keeps your personal data safe because it stays on your device.
• Generative Models: These models can make text, pictures, and generate other content based on what you type and what the model knows about you. They help with things like writing, summarizing, and making visuals.
• Personal Context: Apple Intelligence uses data from your device, like your calendar, contacts, and past interactions, to give you more helpful and personalized answers.

Key Features

Links in this section are directly linked to Apple Support unless otherwise noted.

Data Management, privacy, and security

Available throughout the operating system

• Natural Language Search lets you search for documents, photos, and other content using everyday language.
• Priority Notifications highlights important messages and emails, so you never miss a beat.
• Apple Intelligence processes data on your device, so your personal information stays private.
• Private Cloud Compute uses a private cloud model that runs on Apple silicon, so your data is only used for what you need and not stored.

Writing Tools

Available in Pages, Notes, and Mail

• Proofreading and Rewriting using Writing Tools: Helps you make your writing better through proofreading and rewriting suggestions.
• Summarization: Can quickly summarize long documents, emails, audio recordings, and messages so you can get the main points right away.

Communication Enhancements

Available in Messages and Mail

• Smart Replies: Gives you quick and helpful responses in messaging apps, based on what you’re talking about.
• Siri Enhancements: Siri can handle more complex commands and give you more accurate answers, thanks to better language understanding and integration with Apple Intelligence.

Visual and Creative Tools

Available in Notes, Pages, and Photos

• Image and Genmoji Creation: Lets you make images based on descriptions or sketches. This includes making custom Genmoji (custom AI-generated emoji) and memory movies from your photos.

Photo Management

Available in Photos

• Search to find a specific photo, or a key moment in a video by describing what you want to find.
• Clean Up in Photos helps you remove distractions from your photos and find specific moments in videos using natural language search.

Considerations

• Apple Intelligence is currently in beta. Apple Intelligence uses generative models, and outputs may be inaccurate, unexpected, or offensive. Check important information for accuracy. Any generated information should be proofread and edited for accuracy prior to using. AI systems can sometimes be biased, which can lead to unfair treatment or decisions.
• Using AI tools to write or summarize can raise concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity.
• You must follow all applicable rules and guidelines for data handling when using Apple Intelligence. Notably:
  • Only low-risk (green) data is appropriate for Apple Intelligence.
  • Don't enter moderate- or high-risk data (amber or red).
  • If you commonly process such data, it is recommended that you not enable Apple Intelligence on your device.

Getting Started

Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest operating system (iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1) and has at least 4 GB of available storage.

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Apple Intelligence & Siri
3. Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
4. You are notified as soon as Apple Intelligence is ready for your device. Activation usually happens within a few hours.

Once activated, Apple Intelligence will start downloading on-device models and integrating with your apps and services.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to the University of Idaho's Office of Information Technology for inspiring this article's creation.