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#TECH: Apple launches Apple Intelligence features for iPhone, iPad and Mac

APPLE has launched the first set of Apple Intelligence features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, now accessible through a free software update with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Apple Intelligence acts as a personal intelligence system, harnessing Apple silicon to understand and generate language and images, perform actions across apps, and use personal context to streamline everyday tasks—all while upholding Apple's commitment to privacy in AI.

"Apple Intelligence ushers in a new era for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, offering fresh experiences and tools that empower our users," said Apple's CEO Tim Cook.

"It builds on years of AI and machine learning innovation, putting Apple's generative models at the heart of our devices and providing a personal intelligence system that's user-friendly and privacy-focused—something only Apple can deliver."

Meanwhile, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, added, "Apple Intelligence introduces powerful new tools for your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, from Writing Tools that refine your writing to summarised notifications and a smart photo search."

He highlighted that all features are built with privacy at their core, using on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute to protect user data in the cloud.

System-wide writing tools

Integrated throughout iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, Writing Tools help users refine language with options to rewrite, proofread, and summarise text in apps like Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and third-party applications.

With features such as "Rewrite," users can select from alternate versions of their text and adjust tone to fit their audience, while "Proofread" checks grammar and suggests edits with explanations. The summary feature offers concise paragraph options, key points, or lists, making it easier to communicate ideas.

A more natural Siri

Siri now offers a more natural, conversational experience, complete with a sleek design. On iPhone, iPad, and CarPlay, Siri displays a glowing light along the screen edge when active.

For example, on Mac, users can place Siri anywhere on their desktop. Siri can be accessed via voice or text and handles tasks with greater fluidity, maintaining context across multiple requests. Siri's knowledge of Apple products also allows it to answer a variety of questions, helping users with tasks from screen recordings to Wi-Fi sharing.

Smarter Photos app

The Photos app now includes more intelligent search capabilities, allowing users to find images and videos by describing them with natural language (e.g., "Maya skateboarding in a tie-dye shirt"). Users can even search within specific video segments. The Clean Up tool lets users remove unwanted objects from photos, and the Memories feature allows them to create movies by simply typing a description. Apple Intelligence then selects relevant images, crafts a storyline, and generates a movie with narrative structure.

Enhanced prioritisation and focus

Apple Intelligence also introduces Priority Messages in Mail, highlighting urgent emails at the top of the inbox and summarising long threads. Smart Reply suggests quick responses, and notification summaries on the Lock Screen help users quickly scan active group chats or other important notifications. The new "Reduce Interruptions" Focus mode delivers only the most essential notifications.

In Notes and Phone apps, users can record, transcribe, and summarise audio. During calls, participants are notified when a recording begins, and Apple Intelligence produces a summary to capture key points once the call ends.

More features

Apple said December will bring new Apple Intelligence features, including visual creation tools for Genmoji and Image Playground, allowing users to generate images from descriptions or sketches. Writing Tools will gain options for text customisation, such as writing a dinner invite as a poem. Users will also be able to access ChatGPT for expanded knowledge without leaving the Apple ecosystem.

In addition, a new visual intelligence experience using iPhone 16's Camera Control will allow users to obtain information about objects and locations, translate text, and access third-party expertise when needed.

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