Having trouble accessing Apple’s new AI features? Try this

Apple’s AI features arrive with iOS 18.1: The latest iOS update introduces a suite of AI tools, but users need to take an extra step to access them.

• Apple has released iOS 18.1, which includes new AI features under the “Apple Intelligence” umbrella.
• Users must join a waitlist and explicitly activate Apple Intelligence in their settings to access these features.
• The waitlist process is quick, typically taking only minutes for users to gain access.

How to activate Apple Intelligence: Users need to navigate through specific settings to enable the new AI features on their devices.

• Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence and then Siri > Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
• Once approved, users will receive a notification that Apple Intelligence is ready for activation.
• Return to the Settings tab and select “Turn on Apple Intelligence” where the waitlist prompt previously appeared.

Beta status and precautions: Apple is taking a cautious approach with the rollout of its AI features, acknowledging potential limitations and inaccuracies.

• The new AI features are still in beta, which explains the waitlist system.
• Apple warns users that outputs may be inaccurate, unexpected, or even offensive.
• The company advises users to verify important information for accuracy.

Available AI features: Several AI-powered tools are now accessible to users who activate Apple Intelligence.

• Writing Tools: Likely to assist with text composition and editing.
• Notification Summaries: Presumably offering concise overviews of user notifications.
• Audio recording and summarization in Notes: Allowing users to transcribe and summarize calls and other audio content.
• Revamped Siri: An updated version of Apple’s virtual assistant, potentially with enhanced capabilities.

Missing features: Some anticipated AI tools announced at WWDC are not yet available in this release.

• Genmoji: A feature likely related to AI-generated emojis or avatars.
• Image Playground: Possibly an AI-powered image editing or creation tool.
• ChatGPT Integration: Direct integration of OpenAI’s chatbot technology.
• Personal Context: A feature that would allow AI to use personalized information for more comprehensive assistance.

Implications for user experience: The introduction of these AI features marks a significant shift in how users interact with their Apple devices.

• The gradual rollout and beta status indicate Apple’s careful approach to integrating AI into its ecosystem.
• Users will need to actively opt-in to experience these new features, allowing for a controlled adoption rate.
• The absence of some announced features suggests that Apple is fine-tuning its AI offerings before a full-scale release.

Looking ahead: Apple’s cautious approach to AI integration sets the stage for future developments and user adoption.

• As these features move out of beta, we can expect refinements and possibly wider availability without the need for a waitlist.
• The eventual release of missing features like Personal Context could significantly enhance the AI’s ability to provide personalized assistance.
• Apple’s entry into the AI space with these features signals a new era of competition among tech giants in the realm of mobile AI capabilities.