AI-enhanced software in the iPhone and iPad debuting with iOS 18.1 in 2024. Apple Intelligence became available on iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and newer iPad generations. It was also included with macOS Version 15 (see
Sequoia). Apple Intelligence was added to Siri in 2026 (see
Siri AI).
Apple Intelligence was designed to work with everything people do. For example, writing tools can proof read and edit text as well as change the tone of a message. A "memory movie" can be curated from stored photos. Apple's Mail app prioritizes messages, and important notices are moved to the front. Audio from Notes and Phone apps can be summarized, and photos can be searched with natural language. AI-generated images are created with a few taps, and Siri is integrated with ChatGPT, causing Apple to claim "Siri has superpowers." See
OpenELM and
AI inference.
Private Cloud Compute
Although much of the AI processing (inference processing) is done in the local device, when necessary, processing takes place in Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers. Apple claims its servers are extremely secure, hence the "Private" moniker. This is very necessary because in order to assist people in so many areas, Apple's AI must review their data unencrypted.