Here's how to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist

Apple’s latest iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 updates have already started rolling out, and these have been highly anticipated because they come with support for Apple Intelligence. If you have a supported device, it’s ready for the first batch of Apple’s AI features, at least on the backend. The trick here is that these features won’t just become available as soon as you update your device. These features are technically still in beta, and you’ll have to get in line to access Apple Intelligence capabilities. Let’s show you how to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist.

Which devices support Apple Intelligence?

First things first. The Apple Intelligence waitlist isn’t available to everyone. It’s only available to specific iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Let’s go over the requirements.

• iPhones: Apple Intelligence is only available for iPhone 15 Pro models (not the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus) and all iPhone 16 series handsets.
• iPads: Apple Intelligence is only available to iPads with an M1 chip or newer. In the case of the iPad Mini, only the one with the A17 Pro processor will get AI features.
• Mac computers: All Mac computers with an M1 chip or newer will get Apple Intelligence.

How do I update my iPhone to iOS 18.1?

If you have a compatible device, the next step is to update it to the latest software version, if you haven’t yet. Here’s how to do it.

How to update your iPhone or iPad:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. The device will look for available updates. The iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 update should show up. When it does, hit Update Now. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the update.

How to update your Mac computer:

1. Click on the Apple logo, in the top-left corner.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Under General, select Software Update.
4. The system will look for available updates. When macOS 15.1 shows up, hit Update Now.

How to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist

Apple Intelligence features currently work only with English (US) as your device language and Siri language. You will need to change both of them, and the steps are as follows:

How to change device language to English (US) on iPhone for Apple Intelligence features

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go to General > Language & Region.
3. In the Preferred Languages section, click the Add Language stub.
4. Search for English (US) and select it.
5. Drag English (US) to the top of the list to set it as your iPhone language. Your iPhone may restart for the changes to take effect.

How to change Siri language to English (US) on iPhone for Apple Intelligence features

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go to Apple Intelligence & Siri.
3. Under the Siri Requests header, select the Language stub.
4. Set it to English (United States).

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 2025, likely in March.

As already mentioned, the first Apple Intelligence features come with iOS 18.1. This update offers features like Writing Tools, AI-assisted notification management, call recordings and summaries, a new Siri look, and more. You can learn more about these and other Apple Intelligence features here.

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