Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI features that comes with the latest Apple software updates, is now enabled by default across multiple devices. With iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3, users can expect a range of AI tools to enhance their device experience. While this may sound like a significant upgrade, the good news is that you have the option to turn off Apple Intelligence if you prefer not to use these features. Your previous settings for Apple Intelligence will also be respected with these updates, so no need to worry about sudden changes.
For those unfamiliar with Apple Intelligence, it encompasses various AI functionalities integrated into the apps on your phone. Among the notable additions is the ChatGPT extension for Siri, allowing users to interact with the OpenAI chatbot when Siri’s responses fall short. Additionally, there are tools to assist with writing tasks, such as adjusting the tone of text, summarizing content, or proofreading for errors. If you’re into visuals, Apple Intelligence offers features like summarizing webpages in Safari, prioritizing emails in Mail, or creating personalized emoji icons called Genmoji.
If the idea of all this AI involvement is overwhelming, you have the freedom to disable specific Apple Intelligence features or turn off the entire suite altogether. Keep in mind that Apple Intelligence compatibility depends on the hardware of your device. Devices like Macs or iPads with an M1 chip or later, the A17 Pro iPad mini, or the latest iPhone models are required to run Apple Intelligence.
To disable Apple Intelligence, head to your device’s settings—from Settings on iPhones and iPads or System Settings on Macs—navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri. Here, you’ll find a toggle switch to deactivate the AI entirely, removing all associated features and models from your device. For more selective control, you can disable individual features like ChatGPT or Type to Siri, depending on your preferences. Other features, such as notifications summaries or priority views in Mail, can also be managed through specific settings on your device.
For those looking to fine-tune the AI experience, Screen Time settings provide options to disable writing tools and image creation features. However, some features like the Clean Up tool in the Photos app or Intelligent Breakthrough for Focus modes cannot be turned off individually, requiring users to either accept them or disable Apple Intelligence entirely.
In conclusion, Apple Intelligence offers a range of AI tools to enhance user experience, but the decision to enable or disable these features ultimately lies with the user. Whether you’re looking to streamline your device’s performance or simply prefer a less AI-driven experience, Apple gives you the flexibility to customize your settings to suit your needs and preferences.
