Apple Intelligence Features Make Your Devices Smarter
Apple released macOS 15.1 Sequoia, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1 recently. During these updates introduced Apple Intelligence features. To access these features immediately, you need newer devices and they will need to be updated to the most recent OS. They require Apple silicon on Macs, A17 Pro or M-series chips on iPads, and iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 models.These initial features won’t upend your Apple experience, but welcome additions include notification summaries in Messages, message list summaries in Mail, Clean Up in Photos, and audio transcripts and summaries in Notes.
Upgrade Considerations
Upgrading your iPhone and iPad is safe and straightforward. For macOS 15.1 Sequoia, proceed cautiously. Ensure your workflows are compatible before upgrading. Let’s explore how Apple Intelligence can make your devices smarter. Also check out our when to upgrade blog post!
What will Apple Intelligence do for you if you upgrade? Here’s what you need to know.
Writing Tools: Enhanced Prose at Your Fingertips
Apple Intelligence Writing Tools simplify creating and refining content. These tools offer three key functions:
- Proofread: Catch and correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.
- Rewrite: Adjust tone to make your text friendlier, more professional, or concise.
- Summarize: Condense content into lists or key points for easier understanding.
These features integrate seamlessly into most text-based apps like Mail and Notes. They help you edit text effortlessly.
Writing Tools are available in nearly all apps that accept text. Either look for an Edit > Writing Tools menu or Control-click a text selection and look in the Writing Tools submenu. Right now, Apple apps like Mail and Notes provide proofreading controls that let you see (and revert) each change independently. With the Rewrite and Summary tools and Proofread in other apps, you have to compare the original and the rewrite manually, with your only options being to replace the selected text or copy the suggested revision.
Smarter Photos
Photos gets three major improvements:
- Clean Up: Remove unwanted objects or people from photos. This feature works automatically or with manual selection.
- Descriptive Search: Use natural language to find photos, such as “Halloween 2014.”
- Descriptive Memories: Customize Memory movies by describing themes or events you want to include.
Notification Summaries
Apple Intelligence declutters your notifications. It summarizes lengthy alerts and groups related ones. You can adjust these summaries in Settings for a tailored experience.
Mail and Messages Improvements
Mail and Messages get smarter with these updates:
- Summaries: View concise overviews of emails and conversations.
- Smart Reply: Generate quick responses for faster communication.
- Priority Messages: Highlight important messages needing immediate attention.
Audio Recording and Transcription
Notes and Phone apps now offer real-time transcription and summarization. Record meetings or calls and revisit key points later. Searchable transcripts make finding specific details simple and efficient.
Siri’s New Interface
Siri now features a glowing light interface and supports typed queries. It also understands user guides better, helping with built-in tasks. Significant improvements are expected soon.
What’s New for Apple Intelligence
New Updates were announced on December 12.
Looking ahead to 2025, Siri will gain contextual understanding and Priority Notifications will improve further. These updates will continue to enhance your Apple experience.
Further out, Apple says that Priority Notifications will surface your most important notifications, and Siri will learn how to draw from your personal context, take action in numerous apps, and gain awareness of onscreen information. We’re still curious to see how Apple will integrate a more intelligent Siri into the HomePod and Apple TV.