Apple Intelligence is launching in the next few weeks. But not everyone will be able to access the first wave of AI capabilities. Here are six requirements Apple needs to meet before you can use the new Apple Intelligence features.
Compatible device
Apple Intelligence requires a lot of processing power. As a result, AI features are only available on a limited set of compatible devices.
Here's what you'll need:
- iPhone: Any iPhone 16 series or 15 Pro or Pro Max
- iPad: Any model with an M1, M2, or M4 chip
- Mac: Any model with an M1 or later chip
Still not sure if your device is supported? Find the full list of compatible devices here.
iOS 18.1 or Companion Release
Apple plans to release new AI features throughout the next year. But the very first wave of Apple Intelligence will arrive in three upcoming software releases:
- iOS 18.1
- iPadOS 18.1
- macOS Sequoia 15.1
These updates are currently in beta, but are expected to ship to all users in late October.
Join and get off the waitlist
Once you install the required software update for Apple Intelligence, there’s one more important step before you can get the AI features: the waitlist.
Apple will use the waitlist to access AI in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
After you install the update later this month, you’ll need to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist from the Settings app.
If demand is high, you may have to wait a bit before you can access Apple Intelligence. But hopefully it won’t take too long. Apple will notify you when you’re removed from the waitlist.
If you plan to use Apple Intelligence on multiple devices, you only need to join the waitlist once. Once you have access on one device, all other compatible devices linked to your Apple account will also be connected.
Sufficient Free Storage
While storage requirements for iPad and Mac are unknown, Apple has confirmed that iPhone users will need 4GB of free storage to enable AI features.
Once you leave the Apple Intelligence waitlist, your device will need to have various AI models installed to use new features. As a result, 4GB of storage is required at launch. However, this number will increase over time as new AI features are released.
Device set to US English
At launch, Apple Intelligence will only support US English.
More languages will be coming in 2025. Localized versions of English will be available in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa in December.
Until then, however, your device will need to be set to US English to access the AI features. Be sure to check both your device language and Siri's language.
Reside outside the EU and China
That last requirement is the big one. At launch, Apple Intelligence will not yet be supported for users in the EU or China.
These two huge territories are not supported at all, except perhaps for Mac users in the EU.
Top comment from Nutmac
This shouldn't be a problem for most, but you'll also need a fast enough internet connection and NIOT's data mode set to download the data. If the iPhone detects an unreliable or slow connection, it won't download the Apple Intelligence model.
View all comments
Tim Cook recently said the company is working with local regulators to make AI available in those regions “as quickly as we can.” However, it is unlikely that any significant progress will be made in the coming weeks.
Summary of Apple Intelligence requirements
To summarize, users who want to use the upcoming Apple Intelligence feature set will need:
- A compatible device
- An eligible software update
- Approval from the AI waitlist
- 4GB of free iPhone storage
- A device with US English set to the locale
- Residence outside the EU and China
If you can meet all six requirements, the wait for Apple Intelligence is almost over. In fact, if you don't mind potentially buggy software, you can even join the public beta today.
Are any of these requirements a surprise to you? Let us know in the comments.
