With the launch of iOS 18 and macOS 15 Sequoia , Apple has introduced Apple Intelligence, an advanced suite of generative AI features designed to bring groundbreaking functionality to users. This innovative move from Apple is set to redefine user interactions, with AI-driven upgrades rolling out through periodic minor updates.
What is Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is a sophisticated AI framework that harnesses generative technology to deliver a variety of useful tools across Apple’s devices. From text analysis to smarter voice interactions with Siri, Apple Intelligence brings a new layer of functionality to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Currently, these features are available only in English and in select regions, with future updates set to expand availability and add more features.
Apple Intelligence Features Released So Far
The first batch of Apple Intelligence features debuted with the iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 updates, including:
- Text Proofreading and Style Adjustment: AI-powered tools to proofread text and modify styles for polished writing.
- Text Summarization: AI-generated summaries that help users distill long passages into concise overviews.
- Message Classification: Intelligent sorting and classification of messages to streamline communication.
While these features provide a glimpse of what’s possible, many more are on the horizon with the upcoming iOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2 releases.
What’s Coming in iOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2?
Slated for the next update, Apple Intelligence will offer even more exciting tools, such as:
- Genmoji: AI-generated emojis, known as Genmoji, add a creative touch to digital conversations.
- Playground App: An AI image generation tool to create unique visuals and artistic designs right on your device.
- Enhanced Siri Interactions: In supported apps, Siri will offer more natural conversational responses and the ability to forward complex questions to ChatGPT for enhanced understanding.
These updates, available now in developer beta, are expected to enhance everyday tasks, simplify creativity, and provide deeper AI-powered assistance.
Long-Term Vision: The Future of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence represents a long-term initiative to evolve AI across Apple’s ecosystem. Upcoming minor updates are anticipated to bring incremental improvements, including increased Siri capabilities and multi-app interactions, continuing through to fall 2025. Apple’s approach focuses on on-device functionality, though certain tasks may require server-based processing, ensuring a balance between performance and privacy.
Apple Intelligence Compatibility: RAM Requirements
Apple Intelligence requires devices with at least 8 GB of RAM and, on Macs, Apple silicon processors. For iPhones, this includes the iPhone 15 Pro and future models like the iPhone 16, making hardware selection crucial for users looking to leverage the full power of Apple Intelligence, especially as additional advanced features roll out in the coming years. While on the Mac Apple Intelligence works on all 8 GB models, its activation occupies around 3 GB of RAM, so 16 GB or more is almost necessary for other apps to work smoothly.
Apple Intelligence and TTS: What’s Next for Apple’s Voice Technology?
One of the questions on users’ minds is whether Apple Intelligence will include an update to its Text-to-Speech (TTS) capabilities. While TTS has been an early AI application, it currently remains outside the Apple Intelligence suite, with TTS voices last updated around the time of iOS 16. This leaves room for speculation that Apple may bring enhanced, AI-driven TTS voices in the future—potentially even server-side options that could require a subscription.
Using Advanced TTS on Apple Devices Right Now
If you’re eager for advanced AI TTS on your Apple device today, consider the Speech Central app. It offers integration with several top AI TTS services, including Microsoft, Google, OpenAI and open source voices, some of which come with free trials. Speech Central also supports Apple’s new Siri assistant integration, adding even more functionality for users seeking cutting-edge TTS capabilities.
Explore Speech Central on the App Store:
With Apple Intelligence set to expand, and tools like Speech Central bridging the gap, it’s an exciting time for iPhone and Mac users eager to explore the next wave of AI-driven possibilities.