Core features overview: Apple has introduced five key intelligence capabilities that enhance productivity and creative tasks on MacBooks equipped with M-series chips.
- Image Playground enables users to generate and modify images using both text prompts and existing photos, though customization options remain basic in this initial release
- Enhanced writing tools provide sophisticated text refinement options, including tone adjustment, proofreading, and format conversion capabilities
- Safari now includes built-in webpage summarization functionality through the Reader view
- The Notes app can transcribe and summarize audio recordings with word-level precision
- ChatGPT integration brings conversational AI capabilities to Siri, subject to daily usage limits
Setup requirements: Accessing these features requires specific configuration steps within MacOS Sequoia.
- Users must first enable Apple Intelligence through System Settings
- Open System Settings by clicking the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your Mac desktop – this is your starting point for accessing all system-level configurations
- Navigate to “Apple Intelligence & Siri” in the left-hand menu of System Settings, then locate and enable the Apple Intelligence toggle switch if it isn’t already activated
- ChatGPT functionality requires additional setup through the Extensions menu
- Users can optionally connect their existing ChatGPT accounts for enhanced tracking and personalization
Technical capabilities: Each feature demonstrates Apple’s focus on practical AI applications.
- The writing assistant can transform text between various formats including lists and tables while maintaining content accuracy
- Audio transcription provides interactive verification by allowing users to click specific text segments
- Safari’s summarization tool condenses lengthy web content into concise, readable paragraphs
Key limitations: Current implementation shows some constraints in the initial release.
- Image generation tools offer relatively basic customization compared to dedicated AI art platforms
- ChatGPT integration comes with daily usage restrictions
- Features are exclusively available on Macs with M-series processors
Future developments: Apple’s strategic rollout of AI features demonstrates their measured approach.
Additional Apple Intelligence capabilities are planned for deployment throughout 2025, suggesting an evolving ecosystem of AI-powered tools that will continue to expand the platform’s functionality.
5 Apple Intelligence features to try first on your new MacBook