Apple Unveils First Preview of iPhone AI with Apple Intelligence

Apple has launched the initial version of Apple Intelligence, a suite of artificial intelligence features designed to enhance Siri, automatically generate emails and images, and manage notifications. This new software, included in the developer beta of iOS 18.1, is also available for iPad and Mac in similar beta releases. Currently, it is exclusive to registered Apple developers who participate in Apple's developer program, which costs $99 annually.

To access Apple Intelligence, developers must join a waitlist through the settings app after updating their devices, as the service requires communication with Apple servers for more complex requests. The public release of Apple Intelligence is planned for later this year, but the 18.1 version indicates it won't coincide with the new iPhone hardware expected to debut with iOS 18 this fall.

Apple Intelligence represents a significant step for the company, with investors optimistic that the seamless integration of AI with Apple's operating system will drive a substantial wave of upgrades in the coming years. The system will be compatible only with the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and newer models.

Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan noted the potential for sustained strength in the iPhone cycle as AI features, both software and possibly hardware, continue to improve with the anticipated 2025 iPhone release.

Source: Kif Leswing / CNBC