Apple on Monday confirmed the general availability of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Most notable about this point update is that it includes the first batch of Apple Intelligence features that the company announced at WWDC in June.
However, only some Apple devices have the ability to run new generative AI products. This includes the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, iPads with the A17 Pro chip (including the new iPad Mini) or M1 or later, or Macs with M1 or later.
After you download the update, Apple will ask you if you want to opt in to this feature. Once completed, you will be added to the waiting list. This process should be completed within a few hours. This is an unusual move for the company, as LLM-based products have remote server requirements. Essentially, Apple wants the backend to be able to handle large computing demands.
However, not all features require offboard processing. One thing that makes this system unique compared to products like ChatGPT is its small-scale model approach. New Apple Intelligence features are trained on selective datasets targeting specific features, rather than the large-scale black-box approach used by other companies.
The first batch of Apple Intelligence features includes integrated writing tools, image cleanup, article summaries, and typing input for a redesigned Siri experience. iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, currently available in developer beta, add another feature.
These updates provide an additional list of Apple Intelligence updates, including Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, Image Wand, and ChatGPT integration. Apple has not yet announced the GA period for these updates.