How to Enable (and Turn Off) Apple Intelligence on an iPhone

Apple Intelligence is bringing with it some of the biggest new features for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Its functions are being released in phases, starting with today's iOS and iPadOS 18.1 update for the iPhone 15 Pro series, all iPhone 16 models, and all iPads running an A17 Pro chip and above. All Macs running an M-series chip are also getting Apple Intelligence with today's macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. Even though the new features are exciting, not everyone wants to use artificial intelligence (AI) features on their smartphones or other devices. If you're among those who are skeptical, you can turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or other compatible Apple device. Alternatively, if you do want to use Apple's AI, you might actually need to join a waitlist first. Regardless of whether you want AI, here's everything you need to know about enabling Apple Intelligence.

How to enable Apple Intelligence on iPhone or iPad

Credit: Khamosh Pathak

To enable Apple Intelligence on iPhone or iPad, first update to iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1. After the update, you should see instructions to enable Apple Intelligence on-screen. Just follow the outlined workflow and it'll be enabled for you. If you skipped the workflow or didn't see these instructions, you can also go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and enable Apple Intelligence there. Despite the "& Siri" name, this toggle will also control access to other Apple Intelligence features, too.

Some people may not immediately see the option to enable Apple Intelligence. Instead, you may see an option called Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist. Select that and wait for Apple's AI to be rolled out to your device—it should only take a couple of hours, but could be longer. Don't worry, since you'll get a notification once you're through the waitlist. Apple is doing this to manage the load on its servers.

If you're still not seeing an option to enable Apple Intelligence, ensure that your device language and Siri language are set to U.S. English, as Apple Intelligence is only available in that language for now. Find device language in Settings under Language & Region in the General tab and Siri language under the Siri tab in the same app. If you still don't see the Apple Intelligence toggle, it might not be available in your region.

How to turn off Apple Intelligence on iPhone or iPad

Credit: Khamosh Pathak

Using AI raises many concerns, such as high energy usage, privacy issues, or even simply the potential for unreliability that often comes with a new, immature technology. If you decide that you'd rather not use Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or iPad, you can easily disable it, too. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggle off Apple Intelligence. You'll see a confirmation pop-up—select Turn Off Apple Intelligence. That will remove the AI from your device.

How to enable/disable Apple Intelligence on Mac

Apple Intelligence is also available on Mac, and turning it on or off there follows a similar process as on iPhone or iPad. Just navigate to the Apple icon Menu, click System Settings, and find the Apple Intelligence toggle under Apple Intelligence & Siri. As with above, you might need to join a waitlist or change your device language (navigate to System Settings -> General -> Language & Region) or Siri language (System Settings -> Siri & Spotlight).