Apple Intelligence requires a compatible iPhone, with support for iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.
Apple Intelligence offers tools for writing, photos, images, translation, Siri, Safari, Shortcuts and Visual Intelligence.
Apple requires 7 GB of storage for on-device models, while Private Cloud Compute handles more complex tasks.
Apple Intelligence has grown far beyond its first set of AI tools. On supported iPhones, it now helps with writing, photos, images, translation, web pages, Siri, calls and visual searches. The current Apple Intelligence experience works with iOS 26, while Apple has also announced a new generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri AI for iOS 27 later in 2026.
Apple Intelligence does not work on every iPhone. Support starts with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, plus the iPhone 16 series and newer compatible models. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not support the feature set.
Apple also requires 7 GB of storage for the on-device Apple Intelligence models. The device language and Siri language must match a supported language. Apple currently lists 16 supported languages for Apple Intelligence across compatible devices with iOS 26.1 and later, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese and others.
First, update the iPhone to the latest supported version of iOS. Then open Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, and turn on Apple Intelligence. The iPhone downloads the required models to the device. A Wi-Fi connection and power can help the download finish faster.
If the feature does not appear, check the iPhone model, available storage, device language and Siri language. Apple also notes that some features can vary by language and region.
Also Read - Best Apple Intelligence Tips, Tricks in 2026
Writing Tools can help with almost any text field. Select some text and choose Writing Tools to access options such as proofreading, rewriting, summaries, key points, lists and tables. Preset styles can make text more friendly, professional or concise.
A newer option also lets a custom instruction describe the desired change. This makes the tool more useful when the standard styles do not fit the task. Apple supports Writing Tools across many Apple apps and third-party apps.
Genmoji creates custom emoji from text descriptions or combinations of existing emoji. This gives Messages a much wider range of expressions than the standard emoji library.
Image Playground takes the idea further. It can create images from descriptions and use concepts from the Photos library. Apple has also expanded its image tools with newer styles and more advanced image creation. Some server-based image features can have usage limits, with higher access available through most iCloud+ plans.
Image Wand offers another creative option. It can turn rough sketches or simple descriptions into more polished images inside supported Apple apps.
The Photos app gets some of the most practical Apple Intelligence tools. Clean Up can remove unwanted objects from a photo. Open a picture, tap Edit, choose Clean Up, then mark the unwanted area.
Photos can also handle more natural searches. Instead of relying on simple keywords, a detailed description can help locate a particular scene or moment. Apple Intelligence can also create Memory Movies from a description. Photos finds suitable pictures and videos, builds a story and adds music. These tools can save considerable time when a large photo library needs quick sorting or a short video.
Visual Intelligence can examine the world through the iPhone camera. It can help identify objects, plants and animals, read text, translate words and find information about businesses.
The feature also works with on-screen content. A screenshot can become a starting point for a visual search, a ChatGPT question, a text summary or another action. A flyer, for example, can provide details that help create a Calendar event. This screen-based use makes Visual Intelligence much more useful than a simple camera recognition tool.
Live Translation brings Apple Intelligence into Messages, Phone and FaceTime. It can translate text messages and provide translated speech during supported calls. AirPods can also provide translated audio for nearby conversations on supported devices.
Apple currently lists 16 languages for Live Translation in Messages. Phone has a narrower language list, with support for languages such as English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. AirPods Live Translation works with AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Apple Intelligence also gives Siri access to ChatGPT for certain requests. ChatGPT can help with more complex questions, writing tasks, image creation and Visual Intelligence queries. A ChatGPT account is not required for the basic integration, while an account can provide access to additional capabilities.
Safari has its own useful AI feature. Open a webpage, tap the Page Menu and choose Summarize. Safari can create a short version of the page, while Writing Tools can also summarize selected web content.
Why This MattersApple Intelligence now affects many everyday iPhone tasks, from writing and photo edits to translation, searches and calls. Its wider reach makes the iPhone more useful for work, communication and daily tasks. Clear knowledge of these tools helps users understand what their device can do and use its features well.
Apple uses a mix of on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute. Many requests stay on the iPhone, while more demanding tasks can use Apple's private cloud system. Apple says Private Cloud Compute uses only the data needed for a request and does not retain it after the task.
Apple Intelligence has therefore become a broad system feature rather than a single AI app. From a seven-gigabyte model download to custom Genmoji, photo edits, live translation, Safari summaries and Visual Intelligence, the tools now reach many everyday parts of the iPhone. With the next generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri AI set for iOS 27 later this year, Apple's AI system is set for another major expansion.
1. Which iPhones support Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence starts with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, plus the iPhone 16 series and newer supported models.
2. How much storage does Apple Intelligence need?
Apple requires about 7 GB of device storage for the on-device Apple Intelligence models.
3. How can Apple Intelligence get enabled?
Open Settings, select Apple Intelligence & Siri, then turn on Apple Intelligence after the latest supported iOS update.
4. What can Apple Intelligence do on iPhone?
It supports Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, Clean Up, Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Siri features, Safari summaries and more.
5. Does Apple Intelligence use ChatGPT?
Yes. Siri, Writing Tools, Visual Intelligence and other supported features can use ChatGPT for certain requests.