By Chris Skeldon 
Apple Intelligence was introduced at the time of the iPhone 16 launch, in September, but with an availability date set for later, about a month later, coinciding with the first major iOS 18 update.
In the period between the two moments, Interested parties could sign up for a beta testing programme, which allowed them to begin experimenting with the functionality of the AI system Right when the new iPhone launches.
However, iOS 18.1 debuted on Monday and with it Apple's AI proposal has officially arrived, but it's still just a preliminary “sample.”Part of the potential list that will be completed in phases.
See iOS 18.1 images in the gallery
Apple presents its AI as a “personal intelligence system built into iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.” “Combines the power of generative models with understanding of personal context.”to provide “useful and relevant” information.
Understanding languages, creating images, prioritizing and summarizing notifications, emails and messages, “understanding” situations and the device itself being used to simplify and speed up everyday tasks are some of the possibilities offered.
Apple intelligence Available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later. The Apple brand notes that iPhones require 4GB of storage space to accommodate the new features, pointing to the page Apple intelligence requirementsFor more information.
What's actually possible with Apple's AI?
Available features are initially focused on Writing aidsLike him Text summaries Be it emails, messages or even notifications. The company run by Tim Cook also promises Siri, the virtual assistant, is more natural and capable.
Available almost anywhere you can write, including Mail, Notes, and Safari, The Writing Tools panel lets you summarize selected text with one click, review your work, and create different versions of the same text To help find the right words and tones.
As you type, simply select the text you want to enhance and then click Writing Tools.
In the Mail app, The Priority Messages panel displays your most urgent emails At the top of your inbox. You can view email summaries without having to open it. Smart Reply in Mail and Messages identifies questions and suggests answers.
Watch the video explaining Apple's intelligence
The real revamp of Siri should only happen in 2025, but, Meanwhile, the personal assistant uses system intelligence to expand language understanding capabilities, becoming “more natural, more contextual and more personal.”Siri also learns more about your device's features and settings. You can learn how to perform certain actions with your iPhone by asking directly.
inIn the Photos app, Apple's AI arrives to let you search for specific photos by describing what you want to search for, in natural languageFor example: “Maria skates in a tie-dye shirt.” You can also search for specific moments in a video and jump directly to the relevant part.
You can also use The “Erase” photo editing tool in the Photos app to identify and remove distracting background objects Without changing the reason. Open a photo in the Photos app, tap the Edit button, tap Clear, then follow the on-screen instructions.
It should be noted that the Apple Intelligence features offered are accessible in most regions around the world, however, For it to work, your device and Siri must be set to US English. More Englishes are expected from other parts of the world, such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom in December. From April onwards, the range of languages, including Portuguese, is expected to grow over the following months.
More intelligence over the coming months
In the F groupApple Intelligence features that haven't arrived yet are “Image Playground,” for creating original images – In messaging applications, notes, etc. – based on a proposed description or concept.
You can, for example, create native Genmoji in apps compatible with the emoji keyboard. Just tap the emoji key, and type a description of the desired photo, for example: “Golden Retriever riding the best wave ever.” Then tap “Create new emoji.”
You can too Find information on your device, including what friends have sent youso Siri can answer different questions, for example about recommended books for you or when the next festive dinner is.
It would also be possible Enable integration with ChatGPTso you can explore your knowledge in Siri or in the Writing Tools panel.
How to activate Apple's artificial intelligence?
To use the new options, Apple Intelligence must be enabled. node iPhone or iPadgo to Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, then tap Join Apple Intelligence Queue. Activation in A Mac computer This is done by selecting Apple menu > System Settings, clicking “Apple Intelligence and Siri” and then clicking “Join Waitlist for Apple Intelligence.” You will receive a notification when the AI is active.