Apple Intelligence is launching in the next few weeks. But not everyone will be able to access the first wave of AI capabilities. Here are Apple’s six requirements before you can use the new Apple Intelligence features.
Compatible device
Apple Intelligence requires a lot of processing power. As a result, AI features are exclusive to a limited set of compatible devices.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- iPhone: any iPhone 16-series model or a 15 Pro or Pro Max
- iPad: any model with an M1, M2, or M4 chip
- Mac: any model with an M1 or later chip
Still unsure whether your device is supported? You can find the full list of compatible devices here.
iOS 18.1 or companion release
Apple is planning to ship new AI features all throughout the coming year. But the very first wave of Apple Intelligence is coming as part of three upcoming software releases:
- iOS 18.1
- iPadOS 18.1
- macOS Sequoia 15.1
These updates are currently in beta testing, but they’re expected to ship to all users later in October.
Join and get off the waitlist
Once you have installed the necessary software update for Apple Intelligence, there’s another key step before getting AI features: a waitlist.
Apple will use a waitlist for AI access in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
After installing the update later this month, you’ll need to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist from inside the Settings app.
If demand is high, you may need to wait a bit before gaining access to Apple Intelligence. But hopefully it won’t take too long. Apple will notify you when you’re taken off the waitlist.
If you plan to use Apple Intelligence across multiple devices, you only need to join the waitlist once. After gaining access on one device, every other compatible device tied to your Apple Account will be onboarded too.
Sufficient free storage
Although storage requirements for the iPad and Mac are unknown, Apple has confirmed that iPhone users will need 4GB of free storage to enable AI features.
After you get off the Apple Intelligence waitlist, your device needs to install the various AI models to use the new features. As a result, 4GB is the storage requirement at launch. However, that number will grow over time as more AI features debut.
Device set to US English
At launch, Apple Intelligence will only support US English.
More languages are coming in 2025. Localized variants of English will arrive this December in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Until then, however, your device will need to be set to US English in order to gain access to AI features. Be sure to check both your device language and Siri language.
Reside outside the EU and China
The final requirement is a big one. At launch, Apple Intelligence will not yet be supported for users in the EU or China.
These two massive territories aren’t being supported at all, except perhaps for Mac users in the EU.
Tim Cook recently said the company is working with local regulators to bring AI access to those regions ‘as fast as we can.’ However, it’s highly unlikely that any major progress will be made in the coming weeks.
Apple Intelligence requirements summary
To summarize, users who want to use the forthcoming suite of Apple Intelligence features will need:
- A compatible device
- The proper software update
- Approval off the AI waitlist
- 4GB of free iPhone storage
- A device set to US English
- Residence outside the EU and China
If you can meet all six requirements, the wait for Apple Intelligence is almost over. In fact, if you don’t mind some potentially buggy software, you can even join a public beta today.
Are any of these requirements a surprise for you? Let us know in the comments.
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