Prime Highlights:
OS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3 automatically activate Apple Intelligence for new users and those upgrading to the latest versions.
The feature is available on devices such as iPhone 15 Pro and later, iPads, and Macs with Apple Silicon M1 chips or newer.
Apple Intelligence includes AI notification summaries, Image Playground, and text rewriting tools.
Key Background:
Apple has introduced a significant change with the latest release of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3. The update enables Apple Intelligence by default, activating a range of AI-powered features on compatible devices. According to release notes spotted by 9to5Mac, new users or those upgrading to the latest versions of Apple’s operating systems will have access to these advanced capabilities automatically unless they choose to disable them.
Apple Intelligence is available exclusively for devices that meet specific hardware requirements, including the iPhone 15 Pro and later, iPads, and Macs equipped with the Apple Silicon M1 chip or newer. The feature will be activated during the initial setup process for users upgrading to macOS 15.3, providing immediate access to AI functionalities such as AI notification summaries, Image Playground, and text rewriting tools.
For those who prefer not to use Apple Intelligence, the feature can be easily disabled through the “Apple Intelligence & Siri” settings. Users can turn off the feature by toggling the Apple Intelligence setting, which will deactivate all associated AI functionalities. This includes the AI-driven notification summaries that offer consolidated notifications for news, entertainment, and other apps.
Apple has made it clear that these updates are not without their limitations. In fact, recent beta testers of iOS 18.3 discovered that the AI-powered notification summaries could sometimes misinterpret headlines, such as incorrectly summarizing content from a BBC article. As a result, Apple has introduced a feature that will pause AI notification summaries from certain apps if errors are detected. Additionally, notification summaries on the lock screen will now be clearly marked with a note indicating they may contain errors.
With this shift to enable Apple Intelligence by default, Apple continues to integrate advanced AI tools into its ecosystem, while also offering users more control over their device’s features. The move reflects the growing trend toward artificial intelligence in consumer tech, allowing for a more personalized and streamlined experience while ensuring transparency and control over the technology.
