Apple released the initial preview of Apple Intelligence alongside the iOS 18.1 developer beta, showcasing an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced experience and drastic improvements in Siri.

The Apple Intelligence System, a suite of new features for the iPhone, Mac, and other Apple products, was announced last month and promised to roll out this fall in iOS 18. The new software introduces AI integration, harnessing the power of Apple silicon throughout the operating system.

The Capabilities of Apple Intelligence

Among the brand-new features are writing tools that you can use anywhere to edit and proofread your texts. Summaries of emails and inboxes are generated automatically and organized based on priority by AI. It also offers the ability to summarize transcriptions of audio recordings in the Notes and Phone apps.

Searching photos will also be easier with Apple Intelligence, letting users search for specific details and identify moments in their videos. “Memories” are then created using the image and language understanding of their AI to pick out the best moments and generate a narrative.

Apple also included a built-in tool for generating images and emojis within the messaging app. Similarly, ChatGPT will be available as a systemwide writing tool to generate text and image content on the go.

Apple Intelligence enhances Siri’s capabilities, revamping its two-decade virtual voice assistant to handle device troubleshooting questions and comprehend voice commands even if you stumble upon your words.

Siri now leverages its “onscreen awareness” to perform actions inside apps, including third-party ones, and now has the option to type your commands. Activating Siri also now makes the inside edge of the phone’s bevel glow.

The Role of AI in Shaping the Future of iOS

Apple’s new AI features will not collect any personal information and protect user privacy. Their own “Private Cloud Compute” is being used to process more complicated requests on their server. The company stated that users accessing ChatGPT features will have their IP addresses obscured, and OpenAI won’t store requests.

There is no confirmation on when the software will arrive, but Bloomberg and several publications reported that it would be delayed until October.

Users will have to register on a waitlist before accessing the program. The preview is now available for U.S. users only and requires the device language and region to be set to U.S. English and the United States, respectively. Only software developers under the $99 annual program will have direct access to testing and feedback.

Only newer models, including the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, can run the new features.

Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan noted on Monday that the iPhone cycle is expected to remain robust for a longer period as AI features in both software and potentially hardware continue to evolve with the 2025 iPhone.

With Apple Intelligence, the company reinvents how its users interact with their products. The initial preview hints at a future where AI seamlessly augments daily tasks intuitively and efficiently. However, it may take some time and extensive testing before Apple can fully release the entire feature set publicly.