Apple Intelligence is Apple’s artificial intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, and selected Apple Watch features. Apple announced it on June 10, 2024, and released the first public tools with iOS 18.1 on October 28, 2024.
Siri is one part of Apple Intelligence. The first Siri updates changed its interface and improved how it handled requests. At the same time, Siri AI is the later assistant with personal context, onscreen awareness, cross-app actions, web knowledge, and a dedicated app.
iOS 26 contains the latest stable Apple Intelligence features, and Siri AI is currently available through the iOS 27 public beta. The timeline below shows when each major Apple Intelligence and Siri update was announced, tested, delayed, and released.
Last updated: July 15, 2026.
Apple Intelligence and Siri AI Status
Latest Stable Release
The latest stable generation is available in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. It includes writing and image tools, Visual Intelligence, ChatGPT integration, Live Translation, intelligent Shortcuts actions, and selected Apple Watch features.
The stable version of Siri has Type to Siri, the edge-of-screen design, improved request handling, Apple product knowledge, and optional ChatGPT access. It does not have the full personal context, onscreen awareness, cross-app actions, or web knowledge offered by Siri AI.
Latest Public Beta
Apple released the first public betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 on July 13, 2026. Eligible users can test Siri AI on supported devices, although access requires joining a waitlist.
Regional Limits
Most stable Apple Intelligence features work on supported iPhone and iPad models in the European Union. Siri AI is not available there on iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS. Apple says EU users will receive Siri AI on macOS 27 and visionOS 27 when the device uses a supported language. Apple Intelligence and Siri AI remain unavailable in mainland China.
Apple Intelligence Release Timeline
| Date | Release and Status | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2026 | iOS 27 Public Beta Beta | Siri AI opens to eligible public beta testers on supported devices. |
| June 8, 2026 | iOS 27 Developer Beta Beta | Siri AI and the next Apple Intelligence generation enter developer testing. |
| September 15, 2025 | iOS 26 Released | Live Translation, onscreen Visual Intelligence, intelligent Shortcuts, and Foundation Models become available. |
| June 9, 2025 | WWDC25 Preview Announced | Apple previews the Apple Intelligence features planned for iOS 26. |
| March 31, 2025 | iOS 18.4 Released | More languages, EU access, Priority Notifications, and Vision Pro support arrive. |
| March 7, 2025 | Personal Siri Features Delayed | Personal context, onscreen awareness, and cross-app actions miss their expected window. |
| December 11, 2024 | iOS 18.2 Released | Genmoji, Image Playground, Image Wand, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration arrive. |
| October 28, 2024 | iOS 18.1 Released | The first stable Apple Intelligence tools launch on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. |
| July 29, 2024 | iOS 18.1 Developer Beta Beta | Developers receive the first Apple Intelligence test features. |
| June 10, 2024 | WWDC24 Announced | Apple introduces Apple Intelligence, Private Cloud Compute, Siri changes, and ChatGPT integration. |
That staged rollout began in 2024. Apple moved from a broad WWDC preview to the first developer beta in July, followed by two public feature releases before the end of the year.
2024: Apple Intelligence Is Announced and Begins Rolling Out
June 10, 2024: Apple Introduces Apple Intelligence
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence at WWDC24 for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The announcement covered language and image models, on-device processing, Private Cloud Compute, optional ChatGPT access, and a major Siri update.
The Siri preview covered personal context, onscreen awareness, and actions within and across apps. These functions did not ship with the first public Apple Intelligence update.
July 29, 2024: The First Developer Beta Arrives
The first Apple Intelligence developer betas arrived with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Testers could use Writing Tools, summaries, selected Mail features, and the early Siri interface. Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and the more personal Siri functions were not included.
October 28, 2024: iOS 18.1 Starts the Public Rollout
The first stable Apple Intelligence release arrived with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Writing Tools could rewrite, proofread, and summarize text. Summaries and Smart Reply appeared in Mail and Messages. Reduce Interruptions analyzed notifications for items that might need attention.
Natural-language search, Memory Movie creation, and Clean Up became available in Photos on supported platforms. Notes and Phone could summarize recorded or transcribed audio. Siri adopted the glowing edge design, Type to Siri, better handling of interrupted speech, conversational context between requests, and Apple product knowledge.
This release changed how Siri looked and handled requests, but it did not add personal context, full onscreen awareness, or broad app actions. Initial access required supported hardware with the device and Siri language set to U.S. English.
December 11, 2024: iOS 18.2 Adds Images, ChatGPT, and Visual Intelligence
Apple Intelligence image tools reached the public with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2. Image Playground generated images in supported styles, Genmoji created custom emoji, and Image Wand turned sketches or nearby note content into images.
A freeform change field appeared in Writing Tools. Optional ChatGPT access became available through Siri and Writing Tools, with no account required for supported requests. Visual Intelligence also debuted on compatible iPhone 16 models through Camera Control, where it could identify places and objects, work with visible text, search for products, and send camera questions to ChatGPT.
Localized English support reached Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The personal Siri functions shown at WWDC24 remained unavailable.
2025: Wider Availability, New Features, and the Siri Delay
March 7, 2025: Apple Delays the More Personal Siri
Apple confirmed that the more personal Siri would take longer than expected. Personal context, onscreen awareness, and actions within and across apps were all delayed. Apple described the new window as “the coming year” rather than naming an iOS version or release date.
The new Siri appearance and improved language handling were already public. Personal context, onscreen awareness, and cross-app actions remained unavailable.
March 31, 2025: iOS 18.4 Expands Languages, Regions, and Platforms
Language support expanded to French, German, Italian, Portuguese for Brazil, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, simplified Chinese, and English for India and Singapore. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 also marked the first broad Apple Intelligence release for supported iPhone and iPad users in the European Union.
Priority Notifications joined the public feature set, the Sketch style appeared in Image Playground, and Memory Movie creation reached Mac. visionOS 2.4 marked the Apple Intelligence debut on Apple Vision Pro in U.S. English, including Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, and selected communication features.
June 9, 2025: WWDC25 Previews the iOS 26 Generation
At WWDC25, Apple previewed Live Translation for Messages, FaceTime, Phone, and compatible AirPods. Visual Intelligence also expanded beyond the camera view to information already displayed on an iPhone screen.
Shortcuts could summarize text, create images, and send information to Apple Intelligence models. App developers could reach the on-device model through the Foundation Models framework, and supported functions worked offline without a per-request API charge.
The delayed personal Siri functions were not part of the iOS 26 release. They remained in development throughout 2025.
September 15, 2025: iOS 26 Features Become Public
Apple released iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. Live Translation became available in supported languages across Messages, Phone, FaceTime, and compatible AirPods. Visual Intelligence could work with onscreen content, including screenshots. It could summarize text, recognize information, create calendar events, search supported apps, and pass a request to ChatGPT.
New controls arrived for Genmoji and Image Playground, and Shortcuts could call Apple Intelligence models directly. Developers could begin shipping app features based on the Foundation Models framework. A compatible paired iPhone supported selected Apple Watch functions, including Workout Buddy, Live Translation in Messages, and notification summaries.
2026: Apple Introduces the Next Generation and Siri AI
June 8, 2026: Siri AI Enters Developer Testing
At WWDC26, Apple introduced a new Apple Intelligence architecture and presented its planned context-aware assistant as Siri AI. The next generation uses new Apple Foundation Models built in collaboration with Google and its Gemini models. Processing remains divided between supported devices and Private Cloud Compute.
Siri AI can search personal information across messages, email, photos, and notes. It can respond to content on the screen, perform a wider range of actions in apps, and use web knowledge for current or general questions. Apple also introduced a dedicated Siri app that keeps conversations in one place and syncs history through iCloud.
Developer testing began on June 8 across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and visionOS 27. At that point, Siri AI was limited to developer beta software and supported English settings.
July 13, 2026: Siri AI Reaches Public Beta
The first public betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 opened Siri AI testing beyond the developer program. Eligible users can install the beta through the Apple Beta Software Program, then request Siri AI access on a supported device. A waitlist may apply while Apple controls the rollout.
Siri AI remains beta software. The public beta does not change the stable-release status of iOS 26, and availability still depends on device, language, and region.
Other Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 27
iOS 27 also introduces new photo-editing tools, Visual Intelligence on iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro, and photorealistic Image Playground styles. Additional Apple Intelligence features appear in Safari, writing tools, accessibility settings, Home cameras, and productivity apps.
Several iOS 27 features have narrower hardware requirements than the basic Apple Intelligence system. Some also start in English or selected regions. Apple plans the stable iOS 27 software releases for fall 2026 but has not announced an exact date.
Apple Intelligence Feature Rollout by Version
Writing and Communication
- Writing Tools — iOS 18.1, Released: Rewrite, proofread, and summarize text on supported devices.
- Mail and Messages summaries — iOS 18.1, Released: Summarize conversations and suggest replies.
- Notification, voicemail, and transcription summaries — iOS 18.1, Released: Condense supported notifications, voicemail, and Notes transcripts.
- ChatGPT integration — iOS 18.2, Released: Send supported Siri and Writing Tools requests to ChatGPT.
Photos and Image Creation
- Clean Up — iOS 18.1, Released: Remove unwanted objects from photos.
- Natural-language photo search — iOS 18.1, Released: Find photos and moments without exact keywords.
- Image Playground — iOS 18.2, Released: Create images from descriptions, themes, and people in a photo library.
- Genmoji and Image Wand — iOS 18.2, Released: Create custom emoji or turn sketches and note content into images.
Visual Intelligence
- Camera-based Visual Intelligence — iOS 18.2, Released: Identify places, plants, animals, products, and visible text.
- Onscreen Visual Intelligence — iOS 26, Released: Summarize displayed text, search supported apps, and create calendar events.
- Visual search integrations — iOS 18.2 and later, Released: Send supported visual requests to Google search or ChatGPT.
Translation, Shortcuts, and Apps
- Live Translation — iOS 26, Released: Translate supported conversations in Messages, Phone, FaceTime, and compatible AirPods workflows.
- Intelligent actions in Shortcuts — iOS 26, Released: Summarize text, create images, and call Apple Intelligence models.
- Foundation Models framework — iOS 26, Released: Supported third-party apps can use Apple’s on-device model.
- Selected Apple Watch features — watchOS 26, Released: Add Workout Buddy, Live Translation in Messages, and notification summaries.
Siri
- Apple Intelligence Siri updates — iOS 18.1 and 18.2, Released: Add typing, better request handling, follow-up context, Apple product knowledge, and optional ChatGPT access.
- Siri AI — iOS 27, Public Beta: Add personal-context search, wider onscreen understanding, expanded app actions, web knowledge, and a dedicated app.
- Stable Siri AI release — Not yet released: Apple has not announced an exact stable release date.
Supported Devices, Languages, and Regions
Supported iPhone Models
- iPhone 15: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- iPhone 16: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e.
- Later models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air.
- Not supported: Standard iPhone 15 models and older iPhones.
Supported iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro Models
- iPad: iPad Pro and iPad Air with M1 or later, plus iPad mini with A17 Pro.
- Mac: Apple-silicon MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with M1 or later; Mac Studio with M1 Max or later; and Mac Pro with M2 Ultra.
- MacBook Neo: Models with A18 Pro.
- Apple Vision Pro: Supported, with a smaller language and feature set than iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Apple Watch Requirements
- Current selected features: Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and Apple Watch SE 2 and later when paired with a nearby Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.
- iOS 27 generation: Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and Apple Watch SE 3 when paired with a supported iPhone.
Software, Storage, and Language Requirements
Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, visionOS 2.4, or later. Apple lists 7 GB of storage for its on-device models on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. The device language and Siri language must match a supported language.
Most features support English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Some functions support fewer languages, and Vision Pro has a smaller language set than iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
European Union and China Mainland Availability
Most existing Apple Intelligence functions have been available to supported iPhone and iPad users in the European Union since iOS 18.4. Siri AI is not available on iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS in the EU. Apple says it will be available on macOS 27 and visionOS 27 when those devices use a supported language.
Apple Intelligence does not currently work on supported devices purchased in China mainland. A supported device bought elsewhere also cannot use Apple Intelligence when the user is in China mainland and the Apple Account country or region is set to China mainland.
Apple Intelligence FAQs
How do I turn on Apple Intelligence?
Install the latest software available for your device, then open Settings and select Apple Intelligence & Siri. Turn on Apple Intelligence if it is disabled. The on-device models will begin downloading after setup, so keep the device connected to Wi-Fi and power until the download finishes.
Why does Apple Intelligence say it is downloading or not ready?
Apple Intelligence cannot start until its on-device models finish downloading. Check that the device has enough free storage, remains connected to Wi-Fi and power, and uses the same supported language for the system and Siri. A newly selected Siri language must finish downloading before Apple Intelligence becomes available again.
Can I turn off Apple Intelligence and remove its downloaded models?
Yes. Turn off Apple Intelligence under Apple Intelligence & Siri in Settings. The downloaded on-device models will be removed. Turning the feature on again starts a new model download.
Does Apple Intelligence work without an internet connection?
Some tasks run entirely on the device after the required models have downloaded. Requests that rely on Private Cloud Compute, ChatGPT, web search, or another online service need an internet connection.
Do I need a ChatGPT account to use the integration?
No. Supported ChatGPT requests work without an account. Signing in is optional and is required if you want requests saved to your ChatGPT history or want to use features included with your ChatGPT account.
Can I turn off ChatGPT without disabling Apple Intelligence?
Yes. Open Settings, select Apple Intelligence & Siri, choose ChatGPT under Extensions, and turn off Use ChatGPT. The rest of Apple Intelligence remains available.
What information is sent to ChatGPT?
Apple sends the request and attachments you approve, along with limited information such as the language, device type, general location, and feature in use. Apple obscures the device IP address. If you sign in to ChatGPT, your account settings and OpenAI’s policies also apply.
