Here's how to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist

Apple’s iOS 18 has been rolling out to supported devices, but this update doesn’t come with Apple Intelligence features. Those start rolling out with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1. These updates aren’t available to the general public yet, but the beta update is now reaching testers. That said, you won’t be getting Apple Intelligence features right away. Now we know there is a waitlist to get access to these capabilities. If you want to take part in the action, we’ll show you how to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist.

How to get the iOS 18.1 beta update

First things first. The Apple Intelligence waitlist isn’t available to everyone. It’s only available to devices running iOS 18.1 or later, and right now, this update is only available to public beta testers. You’ll have to sign up for beta updates if you want to get iOS 18.1 beta. The same applies to iPadOS and macOS.

Keep in mind beta updates are still in their testing period. This means you might encounter bugs or hiccups from time to time. If you want your iPhone to run smoothly, avoid getting these updates and just wait. With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s show you how to get Apple’s beta updates.

How to sign up for iOS beta updates:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. Select Beta Updates.
5. Tap on iOS 18 Public Beta.
6. Go Back.
7. The iOS 18.1 Beta update should appear. Hit Update Now.

How to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist

Now, you are ready to sign up for the Apple Intelligence waitlist. Apple mentions Apple Intelligence should activate on your device “within a few hours of joining the waitlist, though wait times may vary.”

How to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Select Apple Intelligence & Siri.
3. Tap on Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
4. Confirm by hitting Join Waitlist.

Which Apple Intelligence features will I get with iOS 18.1?

Apple Intelligence features won’t be released all at once. Instead, they will roll out in batches, with the last ones coming in 2024, likely in March.

As already mentioned, the first Apple Intelligence features come with iOS 18.1. Let’s go over what it offers in terms of AI.

iOS 18.1 AI features:

• Writing Tools
• Clean Up in Photos
• Create a Memory movie in Photos
• Natural language search in Photos
• Notification summaries
• Reduce Interruptions Focus
• Intelligent Breakthrough & Silencing in Focus
• Priority messages in Mail
• Smart Reply in Mail and Messages
• Summaries in Mail and Messages
• Siri enhancements, including product knowledge, more resilient request handling, new look and feel, more natural voice, the ability to type to Siri, and more

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