Apple has launched a beta test version of its new Apple Intelligence update and that means a worldwide release could be coming soon.
Some iPhone owners could soon be receiving a huge free upgrade and it’s one of Apple’s biggest releases in years. The US technology giant appears to be getting ready to unleash its Apple Intelligence boost to millions of devices across the globe with the latest test version now available for developers to try out.
Apple Intelligence was first announced all the way back in June during the yearly WWDC developers conference at Apple Park, Cupertino. Fans have been waiting patiently for a release date ever since and it seems that day is getting ever closers. It’s just been confirmed that iOS, iPadOS and MacOS beta versions are officially out in the wild which means consumers should expect to get their hands on the new features within the next few months.
For those unaware of the latest tech jargon, beta software is handed to developers so they can check their apps and services are up to speed with what’s ahead.
Apple never gives an exact global launch date for any of its software releases but Mirror Online predicts it should be live on iPhones around Christmas or early in the 2025.
So what is Apple Intelligence and what devices are compatible with it?
There’s raft of new things to try as part of Apple Intelligence with this smart upgrade able to check and write email for you, change the tone of your messages and even clean up your inbox and prioritise the most important messages. It will even know things such as your flight information and make sure it’s the most visible email on the day you are travelling.
Those who love sending endless text messages will also be able to create so-called Genmojis. These unique emojis will appear when you type a simple description. For example, type “fluffy cat wearing party hat” and you should get an emoji that matches.
If you’re rubbish at photo editing, Apple Intelligence also has this covered thanks to the new Clean Up tool. This will automatically remove rogue people or objects that may have ruined your family photos. It all happens seamlessly and without you needing a degree in Photoshop.
That’s not the only smart photo feature. Apple Intelligence also includes the new Image Playground option. This will create bespoke images via a written description. So, you can ask it to create an image of a friend on the moon or a family member on a surfboard and you won’t need and it will do the rest.
Another nice update is something called Image Wand which can transform a rough sketch into a polished image that complements your notes and makes them more visual.
Siri is also getting more useful with the assistant able to understand you even if you stumble as you speak and it will help you find out things about your device such as how to send an invisible message or how to reset your AirTags.
One final upgrade is Siri getting integration with ChatGPT. This will help provide results to questions when Siri determines ChatGPT can provide a helpful answer. There’s also a Compose feature which lets you ask ChatGPT to create original content from scratch right from systemwide Writing Tools.
So what devices is it available on?
Sadly, not all Apple devices can access Apple Intelligence and you’ll need something pretty new to use it.
Here’s the full list of compatible gadgets.
iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later – the new A17-powered iPad mini also gets this boost.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a new chapter in Apple innovation. Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do with our products — and what our products can do for our users,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
“Our unique approach combines generative AI with a user’s personal context to deliver truly helpful intelligence. And it can access that information in a completely private and secure way to help users do the things that matter most to them. This is AI as only Apple can deliver it, and we can’t wait for users to experience what it can do.”
