How to Enable (and Disable) Apple Intelligence on IPhone
Apple Intelligence brings some of the most important new features to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Its features are rolling out in stages, starting with today’s iOS and iPadOS 18.1 update for the iPhone 15 Pro series, all iPhone 16 models, and all iPads with the A17 Pro chip and above. All Macs with the M series chip also get Apple Intelligence with today’s macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. While the new features are exciting, not everyone wants to use artificial intelligence (AI) features on their smartphones or other devices. If you’re among those who are skeptical, you can disable Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or other compatible Apple device. Alternatively, if you really want to use Apple’s AI, you may have to join the waitlist first. Whether you need artificial intelligence, here’s everything you need to know about enabling Apple Intelligence.
How to enable Apple Intelligence on iPhone or iPad
To enable Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad, first update to iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1. After updating, you should see instructions on your screen to enable Apple Intelligence. Just follow the described workflow and it will be enabled for you. If you missed the workflow or didn’t see these instructions, you can also go to Settings > Apple Intelligence and Siri and turn on Apple Intelligence there. Despite the “& Siri” name, this switch will also control access to other Apple Intelligence features.
Some people may not immediately see the option to turn on Apple Intelligence. Instead, you may see an option to Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist . Select this and wait for Apple’s AI to deploy to your device – it will only take a couple of hours, but could be longer. Don’t worry, you’ll be notified once you get through the waitlist. Apple does this to manage the load on its servers.
If you still don’t see the option to turn on Apple Intelligence, make sure your device and Siri language are set to English (US), as Apple Intelligence is only available in that language for now. Find your device language in Settings under Language & Region in the General tab and Siri language in the Siri tab in the same app. If you still don’t see the Apple Intelligence switch,it may not be available in your region .
How to disable Apple Intelligence on iPhone or iPad
The use of AI comes with many challenges, such as high energy consumption , privacy concerns , or even just the potential unreliability that often comes with new, immature technology. If you decide you don’t want to use Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad, you can easily turn it off as well. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and turn off Apple Intelligence . You’ll see a confirmation pop-up – select Turn off Apple Intelligence . This will remove the AI from your device.
How to enable/disable Apple Intelligence on Mac
Apple Intelligence is also available on Mac, and turning it on or off is similar to how it works on iPhone or iPad. Simply go to the Apple icon menu , click System Preferences , and find the Apple Intelligence toggle under Apple Intelligence and Siri . As above, you may need to join a waitlist or change your device’s language (go to System Settings -> General -> Language & Region ) or Siri language ( System Settings -> Siri and Spotlight “ ).