by Apple Intelligence is finally here.
Apple devices got a little smarter on Monday when the tech giant officially released its first Apple Intelligence features in the United States through its iOS 18.1 software. The tech giant is gradually rolling out new AI-based tools, and a number of AI-based features it has touted are still not available.
Apple Intelligence features released Monday include improvements to Siri, which has a “more natural voice” and improved conversational skills, according to Apple’s website. Other AI-powered features include new writing and summary tools, as well as improved photo editing capabilities.
There will be a longer wait for other AI features such as Genmoji, or the ability for users to create their own emojis, ChatGPT integration on Apple devices, and much more. Some tech experts have said that users might even be disappointed with what iOS 18.1 currently has to offer in terms of AI capabilities.
“I would say if you download it and you have an AI, you could even say, ‘Wait, is that all?’ Because it’s done in stages,” Bridget Carey, CNET’s editor-in-chief, told CBS Mornings.
As for the new Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, “it’s not something where you instantly get a chatbot that you can converse with on your phone,” Carey said, adding: “Think of it as Siri becoming a little bit easier to use if you stutter and stumble over orders. He will understand you better, but he won’t give crazy new answers,” she explained.
Not all devices with iOS 18.1 will have Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is only compatible with the latest iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices with the latest Apple Pro chips, including iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, l iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max. , iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later, according to Apple.
Additionally, Siri’s device and language must be set to US English for Apple Intelligence to work.
Big changes in the Photos app
Some of the most notable new AI-based tools coming with iOS 18.1 are in Apple’s Photos app. A “Clean” tool allows photographers to remove distracting or unwanted objects from photos with a simple tap. The app also incorporates new natural language search features allowing users to quickly locate and organize old photos.
Hearing aids
The new software update also allows Apple AirPods Pro will work as hearing aids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month authorized Hearing Aid Feature (HAF), the first FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aid software.
The new HAF addresses the estimated 30 million Americans who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, due to “aging, exposure to loud noises, certain medical conditions and other factors,” the FDA said.
