Apple Intelligence is a set of AI features built into your device that runs on your device itself, not on Apple's servers

Apple Intelligence is not something you read or install as a separate app. Instead, it is a collection of writing tools, image generation, and Siri improvements that come built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. If your device is compatible and you update to one of these operating systems, you already have access to Apple Intelligence — you do not need to take any additional steps to "get" it.

The main privacy difference between Apple Intelligence and other AI tools is that most of the processing happens on your device, not on Apple's servers. This means your writing, photos, and search history stay on your phone or computer. For tasks that do require Apple's servers, Apple says it does not store your data or use it to train its models, though you should understand what you are agreeing to when you turn the feature on.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Intelligence comes automatically with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia on compatible devices — you do not need to install anything separately.
  • You must update your device to the latest operating system version and have at least 4 GB of free storage for the on-device AI models to read.
  • Apple Intelligence is turned on by default once you update, but you can turn it off in Settings if you do not want to use it.
  • Most Apple Intelligence features process data on your device, but some features that require more computing power may send data to Apple's servers with encryption.

Check whether your device supports Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence only works on newer devices. On iPhone, you need an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. On iPad, you need an iPad Pro with an M1 chip or newer, or an iPad Air with an M1 chip or newer. On Mac, you need a Mac with an M1 chip or newer.

If you have an older device, Apple Intelligence will not be available to you, and updating your operating system will not change that. You can still use other AI tools through apps, but they will not be the built-in Apple Intelligence features.

Update your device to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia

To access Apple Intelligence, you must be running the latest operating system. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. On Mac, go to System Settings, then General, then Software Update. Your device will check for available updates and show you the version number you currently have.

The update process can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your device, your internet connection, and how much free storage you have. Make sure your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi before you start. You will not be able to use your device during the update, so choose a time when you do not need it.

After the update completes and your device restarts, Apple Intelligence will be available. You do not need to do anything else to set up it.

Make sure you have enough storage for the AI models

Apple Intelligence requires at least 4 GB of free storage on your device so it can read the AI models that run locally. If you have less than 4 GB free, the feature will not work until you delete files, apps, or photos to make room.

To check your storage, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage or Mac Storage). The screen will show you how much space is used and how much is free. If you are close to full, consider deleting old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use. You can also back up your photos to iCloud and then delete them from your device to free up space.

Turn on Apple Intelligence in Settings if it is off

Apple Intelligence is turned on by default once you update your device, but you can check to make sure it is enabled. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. On Mac, go to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. You will see a toggle at the top that says "Apple Intelligence" — if it is already on, you do not need to do anything.

If the toggle is off, tap or click it to turn it on. Your device will read the necessary AI models, which may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection. Once the read is complete, you can start using Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground.

Understand what data Apple Intelligence processes on your device versus on servers

Most Apple Intelligence features — including Writing Tools for rewriting text, proofreading, and summarizing — process your data directly on your device. This means your writing never leaves your phone or computer. Image Playground, which generates images from text descriptions, also runs on your device.

Some features that require more computing power may send encrypted data to Apple's servers. These include certain Siri requests and some image analysis tasks. Apple says it does not store this data or use it to train its models, but the data does leave your device. If you want to avoid sending any data to Apple's servers, you can turn off these specific features in Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and uncheck "Use on-device and server processing."

Turn off Apple Intelligence if you do not want to use it

If you prefer not to use Apple Intelligence, you can turn it off completely. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggle off "Apple Intelligence." On Mac, go to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggle it off. This will disable all Apple Intelligence features and free up the storage space used by the AI models.

Turning off Apple Intelligence does not affect any other features on your device. You can turn it back on at any time by going to the same settings and toggling it back on. Your device will re-read the AI models if you do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple Intelligence cost money?

No. Apple Intelligence is included with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia at no additional cost. You do not need an Apple One subscription or any paid service to use it.

Will Apple Intelligence slow down my device?

Most Apple Intelligence features are designed to run efficiently on your device without noticeably slowing it down. The initial read of the AI models may take a few minutes, but once they are installed, the features should run smoothly. If you notice your device is slower, you can turn off Apple Intelligence to free up storage and processing power.

Can I use Apple Intelligence if I do not have Wi-Fi?

You need Wi-Fi to read the initial AI models and to update your operating system. After that, most Apple Intelligence features work without Wi-Fi because they process data on your device. Features that require server processing will need an internet connection, but they will work over cellular data.

What happens to my data if I turn off Apple Intelligence?

Turning off Apple Intelligence deletes the AI models from your device but does not affect any of your personal data, photos, or documents. Your files remain on your device exactly as they were. If you turn Apple Intelligence back on later, your device will re-read the models.

Is Apple Intelligence available in all countries?

Apple Intelligence is available in most countries where iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia are sold, but some features may be limited in certain regions due to local regulations. Check Apple's website or your device settings to see which features are available in your location.