Apple Intelligence took a big step toward release on Monday. The AI-powered features unveiled at WWDC24 entered beta testing so developers can start trying them out in the real world.
They are part of the initial round of betas of iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1, which are expected to launch in October.
Devs finally get to start testing Apple Intelligence AI features
Apple Intelligence is an umbrella term for an array of features enabled by AI. Safari, Mail and other Apple apps will use artificial intelligence to summarize large amounts of text. Plus, new AI-powered writing tools will appear in several apps. And users will be able to create their own emoji and images.
Until now, these features have only been seen in demos put on my Apple. But with iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1 now going to developers, they can be tested in regular use.
That said, Apple calls this “an early preview” of what’s coming. And developers must join a waitlist for access to Apple Intelligence even after installing one of these betas. “To try the Apple Intelligence beta, join the waitlist in Settings and you will be notified as soon as it is ready for your device,” Apple told devs.
And there are restrictions. These AI features are not going to be introduced in either the EU or China. And they only run on the two iPhone 15 Pro models and Macs and iPads with an M1 and later processor.
Please be patient
It’s apparently no accident that Apple Intelligence is built into macOS 15.1 Sequoia, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1. The initial versions of iOS 18, Sequoia, etc. are expected in early to mid fall, and these will not have the AI features built in. The extra wait for AI is likely to be about a month — so October at the earliest.
Al this means that Apple is offering betas of iOS 18 and iOS 18.1, macOS 15 and macOS 15.1, and iPadOS 18 and iPadOS 18.1 all at the same time.
Don’t expect every Apple Intelligence feature this autumn. There’ll be an extra delay for some features. The wait for the AI-enhanced version of Siri might stretch into 2025, for example.
And speaking of waiting, macOS 15.1, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1 betas released Monday are only for those in Apple’s developer program. It’s not known when public betas will be released.