Apple Intelligence: Release Date, Features, and Beta Details

KEY hiGHLIGHTS

The first set of Apple Intelligence features was introduced in the iOS 18.1 developer beta.

Apple Intelligence is expected to launch in October 2024.

AI-powered writing tools help across Mail, Notes, and Pages, with email summaries in the Mail app's preview window to save time.

Safari's Reader Mode offers AI-generated article summaries, and Notes now includes call recording with AI-generated transcripts.

Originally planned for release with iOS 18 in September alongside the new iPhones, Apple Intelligence has faced delays.

At first, Apple promised an AI-enhanced Siri, generative AI features, and even AI emojis known as ‘GenMoji.’ While some of these features are available in iOS 18, released on September 16, the full rollout of Apple Intelligence remains unclear, even with the new iPhone 16 range already out.

We’ll explore whether Apple’s AI can truly transform the way users interact with their devices—or if the much-anticipated features will leave users disappointed with delays and underwhelming tools.

What is Apple Intelligence? 

Apple Intelligence is essentially a personal AI system for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Built using generative AI, iOS 18 promises new creative tools and a significant upgrade to Siri.

What sets Apple’s AI apart is its focus on being accessible to all users, regardless of age or tech experience. With privacy at its core, the AI is designed to understand personal context and provide useful, timely assistance.

But can Apple deliver on this vision?

When Will Apple Intelligence Launch?

• Expected release: October 2024

While developers are already testing some Apple Intelligence features in the iOS 18.1 beta, the general public will have to wait for the official release. However, according to reports, full AI integration won’t be available until October—leaving iPhone 16 and iOS 18 shipping without these features for now.

Some Apple Intelligence features, like iPhone-to-Mac mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing upgrades, may not be available in the EU until 2025 due to regulations under the Digital Markets Act.

Supported Devices 

Apple Intelligence will only work on newer devices, such as iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, iPads with M1/M2/M4 chips, and Macs with M1/M2/M3 chips. This means older devices like Apple Watches won’t support these AI features. One of the reasons for this is the high resource demand of the AI tools, encouraging users to upgrade their devices.

7 Key Features of Apple Intelligence Beta:

1. Writing Tools: 

Apple’s AI helps with writing in Mail, Notes, and Pages, offering quick content rewriting, mistake checking, and summaries for meetings or emails. Notes can turn audio into text and summarize key points, simplifying work and saving time.

2. Mail App AI: 

AI in the Mail app will now summarize emails in the preview window, making it easier to sort, respond, or archive messages quickly. Smart Reply will help with contextual responses, speeding up your workflow and helping you reach inbox zero.

3. Safari Digests: 

In Safari's Reader Mode, users can get a quick summary of long articles, so they can decide whether to dive in or just skim the key points.

4. Improved Siri: 

Siri now answers Apple-related questions more easily, even if you fumble or change your question mid-sentence. However, the fully AI-powered version of Siri is expected to arrive next year.

5. Call Recording & Transcriptions: 

Apple Intelligence lets you record calls with just one tap, with both parties notified. After the call, an AI-generated transcript will be available in Notes, making it easy to reference important conversations.

6. Photos: 

Finding specific photos is easier with Apple’s AI-powered search, which can track down images by descriptions like “Eddie climbing Sydney Bridge.” You can also create video stories from selected photos and videos using Memories.

7. Messages: 

AI suggestions for quick replies might divide users, but the option to get summarized messages on the Lock screen will be welcomed by many. If you tend to send emotional messages, Apple Intelligence can also help you craft more diplomatic responses.

Looking Ahead: Apple’s AI Roadmap 

Like many tech companies, Apple has made big promises around AI, but some features, like the AI-enhanced Siri and the ‘Clean up’ tool in Photos, might not arrive until 2025. For now, the slow but steady approach seems to focus on improving the user experience rather than rushing out flashy but incomplete tools.

Final Thoughts 

Apple's cautious approach to AI may not be the most thrilling, but it emphasizes reliable improvements that make life easier for users. While there may be delays, focusing on practicality over gimmicks is a good move. As for when Apple Intelligence will be fully available in the UK and Europe, that’s still a bit of a mystery.