Overview
Apple Intelligence is a collection of AI-powered tools that boost productivity, communication, and creativity by using your personal info and special models.
At this time, Apple Intelligence is approved for general use on U of I computers with the notes and cautions below. This may change as Apple releases new features or makes other changes.
How Apple Intelligence Works
Apple Intelligence utilizes on-device processing and private cloud compute. Most data processing occurs directly on the user’s iPhone, iPad, or Mac, ensuring personal information remains on the device. When cloud computing is necessary, it employs a private cloud model, which ensures data is used solely for its intended purposes and not stored. This approach helps maintain the privacy and security of personal information while providing AI capabilities.
The main parts of Apple Intelligence are:
- On-Device Processing: Apple Intelligence mostly works on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This keeps your personal data safe because it stays on your device.
- Generative Models: These models can make text, pictures, and other stuff based on what you type and what the model knows about you. They help with things like writing, summarizing, and making visuals.
- Personal Context: Apple Intelligence uses info from your device, like your calendar, contacts, and past interactions, to give you more helpful and personal answers.
CAUTION
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Sensitive, or "high risk" data should never be submitted to any AI unless explicitly approved by OIT Security, or listed in the Application Portfolio for such use. If you commonly process such data, it is recommended that you not enable Apple Intelligence on your device.
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Any generated information should be proofread and edited for accuracy prior to using.
Ethical Concerns
Bias and Fairness: AI systems can sometimes be biased, which can lead to unfair treatment or decisions.
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity: Using AI tools to write or summarize can raise concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity.
Key Features
Writing Tools:
- Proofreading and Rewriting: Helps you make your writing better by suggesting changes and different ways to say things.
- Summarization: Can quickly summarize long documents, emails, and messages so you can get the main points right away.
Communication Enhancements:
- Smart Replies: Gives you quick and helpful responses in messaging apps, based on what you’re talking about.
- Siri Enhancements: Siri can handle more complex commands and give you more accurate answers, thanks to better language understanding and integration with Apple Intelligence.
Visual and Creative Tools:
- Image Creation: Lets you make images based on descriptions or sketches. This includes making custom Genmoji and memory movies from your photos.
Photo Management:
- Clean Up in Photos helps you remove distractions from your photos and find specific moments in videos using natural language search.
Data Management:
- Natural Language Search lets you search for documents, photos, and other content using everyday language.
- Priority Notifications highlights important messages and emails, so you never miss a beat.
Privacy and Security:
- Apple Intelligence processes data on your device, so your personal information stays private.
- Private Cloud Compute uses a private cloud model that runs on Apple silicon, so your data is only used for what you need and not stored.
Getting Started
- First, make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest operating system (iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1).
- Then, go to Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, and join the waitlist. Activation usually happens within a few hours.
- Once activated, Apple Intelligence will start downloading on-device models and integrating with your apps and services.