To get Apple Intelligence, update a compatible device to the latest OS, meet setup prompts, then enable it in Settings or System Settings.
Ready to switch this on across your devices? This guide lays out the exact steps, shows the hardware and software you need, and walks through quick fixes when the download hangs. You’ll see where the toggles live, how to train the tools, and what to expect as new features roll out.
Ways To Enable Apple Intelligence On iPhone, iPad, And Mac
Success starts with the right foundation: a supported device, the right OS version, enough free space, and matching language settings for the device and Siri. Apple keeps a live how-to and requirement list in its Apple help article, and maintains a running chart of current languages and regions on the iOS feature availability page.
Quick Requirement Checklist
Confirm these items before you start the toggle flow.
| Requirement | Target | Where To Check |
|---|---|---|
| Supported OS | iOS 18.1+, iPadOS 18.1+, macOS Sequoia 15.1+, visionOS 2.4+, watchOS 11+ | Settings → General → Software Update |
| Device Compatibility | iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or newer; iPhone 16 lineup; Apple Silicon iPad and Mac models; Vision Pro with current visionOS | About This Device; Apple’s device list |
| Storage Free | At least 7 GB available (more is better) | Settings → General → Storage |
| Language Match | Device language and Siri language set to the same supported language | Settings → General → Language & Region; Siri settings |
| Apple ID | Signed in with an adult Apple ID in a region where features are offered | Settings → Apple ID |
Turn It On: The Core Flow
- Update the device OS. Reboot when the installer finishes.
- Open Settings or System Settings. Search for “Apple Intelligence.”
- Walk through the intro screens. Review the privacy explainer and continue.
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi and leave the device on power. The first download can be large.
- Wait for the status banner to show ready. Try a feature like Rewrite, Image Playground, Genmoji, or a smarter Siri request.
Where Apple Intelligence Lives In Settings
On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri. On Mac, open System Settings → Apple Intelligence. On Vision Pro, head to Settings → Apple Intelligence. You’ll see controls for writing tools, Image Playground, Genmoji, Image Wand, summaries, and Siri upgrades.
Which Devices Work With Apple Intelligence
The lineup spans A17 Pro-class phones and newer, plus Apple Silicon iPad and Mac models. That includes iPhone 15 Pro and the entire iPhone 16 family; iPad Pro and iPad Air with M-series chips; and Mac models with M1 or later. Vision Pro gains features after updating to the listed visionOS release. Apple publishes the live roster on its product page and updates it with each release wave.
Not Sure About Your Chip?
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings → General → About. On Mac, choose → About This Mac. If your Mac or iPad shows an M-series chip, you’re set. For phones, look for an iPhone 15 Pro class or a newer model.
Language And Region Notes
Language coverage grows across updates. If the toggle doesn’t appear, set both the device language and the Siri language to a supported choice. The feature availability page lists where richer Siri, writing aids, and image tools work today.
Step-By-Step Setup On Each Platform
iPhone And iPad
- Install iOS or iPadOS 18.1 or later.
- Open Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri, then tap Continue.
- Stay plugged in and on Wi-Fi while the models download and prepare.
- Test with Rewrite in Mail or Notes, or ask Siri to summarize a message thread.
Mac
- Update to macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later.
- Open System Settings → Apple Intelligence and finish the intro steps.
- Try writing aids in Pages or Mail, use Image Playground, then test Siri.
Vision Pro And Apple Watch
Vision Pro adopts Apple Intelligence features after installing visionOS 2.4 or later and completing the same intro. Apple Watch joins the story when your iPhone is eligible and updated to watchOS 11 or later. Some abilities originate on the phone and hand off to the watch.
Train Core Features For Better Results
Spend a few minutes with the headline tools so the system can adapt to your style.
Writing Tools
In Mail, Notes, or Pages, select text and choose Rewrite. Pick a tone, shorten long passages, pull out bullet lists, or punch up a subject line. Edit the output like any draft. Over time, suggestions land closer to your edits.
Image Playground And Genmoji
Create lightweight images and stickers inside Messages and other apps. Save presets you reach for often. Keep prompts plain and concrete for steady results.
Smarter Siri
Ask for the file you edited last night, scan key points in a long thread, or draft a tidy reply. Speak naturally. If the answer misses, re-ask with one more detail.
Fix Common Problems During Setup
If downloads stall or the toggle never appears, walk through these checks. Most issues clear without a full reset.
Top Issues And Fast Fixes
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What To Try |
|---|---|---|
| “Preparing” for hours | Low storage; background pause; weak Wi-Fi | Free 10 GB, keep on a charger, switch to strong Wi-Fi, then retry |
| Toggle missing | Unsupported model; language mismatch | Check the device list; set both languages to a supported choice |
| Error during setup | Server congestion or a partial download | Change networks, reboot, try later in the day |
| Features greyed out | Work profile limits or Screen Time rules | Remove the MDM profile or relax restrictions, then retry |
| Siri feels unchanged | Model prep not fully finished | Leave on Wi-Fi overnight; then test again |
Free Space Tips
- Offload unused apps in Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- Archive old videos to an external drive or cloud folder.
- Clear large message attachments from long threads.
Advanced Reset Steps
Still stuck? Back up first. Then go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset All Settings. This keeps your data but clears network and layout choices. Many users report that this specific reset clears loops where the installer stalls.
Privacy And Data Flow In Plain Words
Many tasks run on the device. When extra horsepower is needed, Private Cloud Compute handles requests on Apple silicon in the data center with safeguards like data minimization, short retention, and public logs. You choose which parts stay on by toggling features in settings. If a task needs network reach, you’ll see a notice and can decide whether to proceed.
Feature Tour You Can Try Today
Rewrite And Proofread
Clean up grammar, change tone, trim fluff, or expand a point. Use it on selected text, then fine-tune the draft. The combo saves time.
Summaries And Priority View
Condense long notifications and threads into digestible blurbs. Open the detail when you need full context.
Image Wand In Notes
Sketch a shape and turn it into a neat diagram. Handy for quick mockups or a step flow you want to capture.
Genmoji And Stickers
Spin up fresh reactions for chat. Pin favorites for one-tap use.
Smart File And Photo Queries
Ask for “the receipt PDF I exported yesterday” or “the photo from Saturday with the blue banner.” The system narrows fast.
Rollout Pace And What To Expect
Feature waves land via point releases. New languages and regions arrive in stages. If a friend sees a tool you don’t, install the latest patch and recheck the Apple Intelligence screen. Apple’s newsroom posts track when major waves arrive, and the feature availability page shows current coverage.
Pro Tips For A Smooth Experience
- Keep at least 15 GB free so downloads and caches never choke.
- Leave devices plugged in overnight on Wi-Fi after big updates.
- If you use managed profiles, test features on a personal device first.
- Teach the tools: accept, tweak, or reject suggestions to steer style.
- Pin the settings page by adding it to the top of your Settings search results for quick access.
Enterprise And School Notes
Managed devices can hide or limit features through MDM. If you see greyed-out toggles, ask your admin whether restrictions apply to writing aids, Siri upgrades, or image tools. For bring-your-own setups, a personal device without a management profile delivers the full experience.
Accessibility Shortcuts That Pair Well
Pair Apple Intelligence with built-in tools for smoother daily use. Dictation speeds up edits. Back Tap can trigger a screen capture before you ask for a summary. Voice Control lets you run a quick rewrite without lifting a finger. These small wins add up across the day.
Next Steps
Update, confirm the five requirements, run the setup flow, and try three features right away—Rewrite, smarter Siri, and Image Playground. With the groundwork done, you’ll have Apple Intelligence working across your devices with steady results.