Johnathan Walker:Apple's AI update is here: What to know about Apple Intelligence, top features

Apple's artificial intelligence-centric update is Johnathan Walkerfinally rolling out on devices.

The first features in Apple Intelligence launched Monday after months of anticipation in the latest operating system update for supported iPhone, iPad and Mac devices.

Apple Intelligence, which was first teased at the tech company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, is part of the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates and introduces Apple-built generative models and other enhancements to existing Apple software as well as a few new tools.

Here's what to know about Apple Intelligence:

How to get Apple Intelligence

To get to the new AI feature, users will first need to activate it after updating to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1.

After installing the new OS update, users will need to navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and join the Apple Intelligence waitlist. After a waiting period, which has been as short as a few minutes, there will be the ability to turn on Apple Intelligence, along with additional options and settings for the feature.

More:Apple is launching new AI features. What do they mean for your privacy?

Top Apple Intelligence features

The top features introduced in this first Apple Intelligence update include:

◾ Writing Tools: These new tools, which are integrated in apps and can be accessed in the same menu as copy and paste when tapping on text, allow users to rewrite their text or even generate a summary for selected text. Writing Tools also features a proofread option, which can suggest edits to the text, along with explanations of the proposed edits.

◾ Priorities and summaries: Priority messages deemed urgent or timely will show at the top of email inboxes, and there will be summary and smart reply options for emails. Summaries will also be possible for notifications, showing key details on the Lock Screen.

◾ Siri redesign: Siri not only gets a new look on devices, but the revamp hopefully means the virtual assistant is better able to handle requests and questions. Siri should now more easily follow along while a user is speaking, even maintaining context if the user messes up or stumbles on their words, rephrasing their request. Users can also now type to Siri on their devices.

◾ Photos: In addition to the Photos app redesign introduced in the previous OS update, Photos now features a Clean Up tool where users can remove unwanted objects in pictures and have the ability to search using descriptions. Users can also create movies in Memories using descriptions.

◾ Other updates: A new Focus option, Reduce Interruptions, is available, and the Notes app now features audio and phone call transcriptions

Compatible devices

For iPhone, Apple Intelligence is compatible with these devices:

◾ iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

◾ iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

◾ iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

The update is compatible with these iPad devices:

◾ iPad Pro (M1 and later)

◾ iPad Air (M1 and later)

Apple Intelligence is compatible with these Mac devices:

◾ MacBook Air (M1 and later) and MacBook Pro (M1 and later)

◾ iMac (M1 and later)

◾ Mac mini (M1 and later)

◾ Mac Studio (M1 Max and later)

◾ Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)

More:iPhone 16, new Watch and AirPods are coming: But is Apple thinking differently enough?

Apple Intelligence features coming up

The rollout's features are just the first in a slate of capabilities Apple is planning for Apple Intelligence. Two previously announced features notably missing in this first release are Genmoji, which allows users to create custom emojis, and Image Playground, where Apple Intelligence can generate cartoon-like images and illustrations from text descriptions.

These two features are now expected to be released in December, likely in the iOS 18.2 update.

Another feature likely coming later this year is ChatGPT integration for Siri, which also was mentioned in the Apple Intelligence announcement at WWDC.

Priority notifications and additional updates to Siri and Writing Tools are also listed as features coming to Apple Intelligence, according to an announcement release from Apple.