Apple Intelligence AI rollout starts today with release of iOS 18.1

Apple Intelligence has finally arrived. 

Apple devices got a little bit smarter on Monday when the tech giant officially released its first Apple Intelligence features in the U.S. through its iOS 18.1 software. The tech giant is rolling out new, AI-powered tools in a phased approach, and a number of AI-enabled features it has touted are still not available. 

Apple Intelligence features released Monday include improvements to Siri, which has a more “natural-sounding voice” and improved conversational skills. Other AI-powered features include new writing and summary tools, and enhanced photo-editing capabilities. 

There will be a longer wait for other AI features such as Genmoji, or the ability for users to create their own emojis, ChatGPT integration on Apple devices, and more. Some tech experts said users might even be underwhelmed what iOS 18.1 currently has to offer in terms of AI capabilities. 

“I would say if you download it and you have AI, you might even go, ‘Wait, that’s it?’ Because this is coming out in stages,” CNET editor-at-large Bridget Carey told CBS Mornings. 

As for the new Apple Intelligence-powered Siri, “This is not something that you instantly get a chatbot that you can converse with on your phone,” said Carey, adding, “Think of this as Siri getting a little easier to use if you stammer and stumble over commands. It will understand you better. But it’s not going to make wild new answers,” she explained. 

Not all devices with iOS 18.1 will have Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is only compatible with the latest iPhone, iPad and Mac devices that are equipped with Apple Pro chips. The new features are now available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later, according to Apple. 

Additionally, both the device and Siri language must be set to U.S. English for Apple Intelligence to work. 

Big changes to Photos app

Some of the most noticeable new, AI-powered tools that come with iOS 18.1 relate to Apple’s Photos app. A “Clean Up” tool lets photographers remove distracting or unwanted objects from photos with just a tap. The app also incorporates new natural language search capabilities making it easier for users to quickly locate and organize old photos. 

Hearing Aids

The new software update also allows Apple’s AirPods Pro to operate as hearing aids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month authorized Hearing Aid Feature (HAF), the first piece of FDA-approved, over-the-counter hearing aid software.

The new HAF is for the estimated 30 million Americans who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, due to “aging, exposure to loud noises, certain medical conditions, and other factors,” the FDA said.