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How to Activate Apple Intelligence and the Latest iOS 18 on iPhone

Geschrieben von: Franzria Ferriols

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Lesezeit 6 min

Apple Intelligence (AI) is part of the latest software update for the new iPhone 16 in iOS 18. This is part of Apple’s integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into everyday user experiences. It focuses on five pillars: being powerful, intuitive, integrated, personal, and private. This system deeply integrates AI into apps like Photos, Siri, and Mail, making them more context-aware and responsive.


Some notable new features include:


  • Siri Enhancements

  • Genmoji and Image Tools

  • Writing Tools and Smart Replies

  • On-device Processing


Put simply, Apple Intelligence in the iPhone 16 makes the user experience more personal, where you can "communicate, work, and express" yourself without compromising privacy.


Since we’re all new here, let’s find out how to properly activate Apple Intelligence in the latest iOS 18.

How to Activate Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence will initially be available in the US in beta with iOS 18.1 this October, with more language support coming later, including Canada, New Zealand, UK, and South Africa.


To enable Apple Intelligence on an iPhone, you need to install the beta software and have the following:


  •  iOS 18.1 or later installed

  •  A supported device:  iPhone 16 series or iPhone 15 Pro models

  • Apple Intelligence is initially available in English (US),  with more languages added later.


You’ll also need to join the waitlist for activation through Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Once activated, the necessary on-device AI models will be downloaded.

Apple Intelligence join waitlist
Apple

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Apple Intelligence activation steps are simple as long as you have the right device and supported language.

Since Apple Intelligence is relatively new, you need to join a waitlist to enable it. Beta in iOS 18.1 will be available in October.

New Apple Intelligence features include smarter Siri, custom emojis (Genmojis), enhanced writing tools, AI-generated summaries, and more.

Apple Intelligence is initially available in English (US) with plans to support additional languages by December, but there are workarounds.

Who Can Get Apple Intelligence on their iPhones

If you have the following devices, you can download the latest iOS 18.1 and activate Apple Intelligence:


  • iPhone 16

  • iPhone 16 Plus

  • iPhone 16 Pro

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

  • iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max


Additionally, your device and Siri language should be set to a supported language (English US), and you should have at least 4 GB of iPhone storage.


By December, Apple will add more support languages to get Apple Intelligence, including English (Canada), English (UK), English (Australia), and eventually, more languages like Chinese, French, and more. This feature, along with iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screensharing, won't be available in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act.

iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence Features

New Apple Intelligence features should be available as soon as iOS 18.1 has been updated with the following new exciting features.


Writing Tools


Apple Intelligence can rewrite, proofread, and refine your text across apps, improving both style and clarity.


Smarter Siri


Siri is now more responsive to context, able to handle complex, evolving requests, and perform tasks across multiple apps with personalized assistance.


New Emojis


You can now create custom emojis, or “Genmojis,” to suit any mood or occasion.


Summaries in Mail and Messages


AI automatically summarizes long emails or message threads, giving you concise insights.


Smart Reply


Generates suggested replies in Mail and Messages, saving you time.


Priority Notifications


Important notifications are intelligently surfaced, minimizing distractions.


Memory Movies


In Photos, AI curates images into video memories based on themes or events.


Call Summaries in Notes


Automatically generates summaries from calls, making it easier to review and organize key points.


More Apple Intelligence features should be available in the coming months as you update the latest software.

How to Activate Apple Intelligence on iPhones Outside of the US

We’re now aware that the new Apple Intelligence features are currently available in the US, but there are easy ways to get the latest iOS running to other locations except the European Union and China.


Technically, you only need the right device and supported language. We’ve already covered them earlier, so let’s get straight to the process.


To activate Apple Intelligence on iPhones outside of the U.S., follow these steps:


1. Update to iOS 18.1 or Later


Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 18.1 or later, as Apple Intelligence features start rolling out from this version onward.


2. Set Your Region to the U.S.


Apple Intelligence is region-locked to the U.S. for its full features, so you will need to change your iPhone’s region to the U.S. by following these steps:


  • Go to Settings > General > Language & Region.

  • Select Region and choose the United States.


iphone 16 Language & Region Settings

MacRumors


3. Use a U.S. Apple ID


You may need to log in with a U.S.-based Apple ID for full functionality. If you don’t have one, create a U.S. Apple ID to download necessary updates or apps associated with Apple Intelligence.


4. Restart Your iPhone


After setting your region and logging in with a U.S. Apple ID, restart your device to ensure the changes take effect.


5. Check Compatibility


Apple Intelligence is supported only on certain iPhone models. Make sure your device is compatible (iPhone 15 Pro or newer and certain iPhone 16 models).


6. Access Features


Once activated, you’ll be able to use new features such as smarter Siri, summaries in Mail and Messages, and Smart Reply functionalities, among others.


Note that this workaround has proven effective for many users, though experiences may vary based on specific updates and Apple’s regional policies.

Maximizing Performance with a Slim Phone Case

When activating and using Apple Intelligence, you may notice a lot of new functionalities that leverage MagSafe technology (like accessories or wireless charging). Using a slim, MagSafe-compatible iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro case protects your device and ensures that your iPhone’s magnetic capabilities are unhindered. This means better alignment with chargers, wallets, and other accessories that work with MagSafe technology.


A minimalistic case not only preserves the phone’s sleek design but also ensures unhindered access to the advanced features introduced in iOS 18, such as video calls, smart notifications, and easy app switching.

Wrap Up

Activating Apple Intelligence on your iPhone can be done easily, whether you’re in the U.S. or outside, by following a few simple steps. If you have the iPhone 15 Pro and later models, including the 16, you should be able to get Apple Intelligence as a free software update.


Using the right accessories, like a slim MagSafe-compatible phone case, can enhance your experience and protect your iPhone while you explore the new AI-driven functionalities in iOS 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I can’t see the option to activate Apple Intelligence?

Ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18.1 or later. If the option is still not available, try restarting your device, checking for further updates, or verifying that your device is compatible.

Can I use Apple Intelligence if I have an iPhone 14 or older?

No, Apple Intelligence is only available for iPhone 15 Pro models and later, including the iPhone 16 series. Older models do not support these features.

How can I switch back to my original region settings after activating Apple Intelligence?

You can revert to your original region settings by going to Settings > General > Language & Region and selecting your previous region. Note that some Apple Intelligence features may be limited if you switch back.

What should I do if I encounter issues with MagSafe accessories after installing iOS 18?

Ensure your iPhone case is MagSafe-compatible and properly aligned with the MagSafe accessories. If issues persist, try removing the case and testing the accessories directly to identify if the problem lies with the case or the accessories themselves.

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Franzria F.

Content Writer of Thinborne - The super thin phone case made of aramid fiber.


"I write anything tech and help businesses reach their target audience with a messaging that best fits the reader's needs. I can obsess over grammar and bite-sized, readable sentences because I care about people more than search engines. When I'm not writing, I am just in charge of finding coffee shops.☕️"

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