Anyone who downloads Apple's upcoming software updates will have to take a few steps to disable Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence is being enabled by default starting in iOS 18.3, a big change that shows Apple’s confidence in the AI features.

Apple Intelligence backs features like AI notification summaries, Image Playground, and tools that can rewrite chunks of text running on your device. Just recently, iOS 18.3 beta

According to the release notes for the iOS 18.3 release candidate, the final beta for the latest iPhone update before it goes live in (likely to be a few days), Apple Intelligence

In addition, Apple introduces Visual Intelligence, which works similarly to Google Lens but with extra functionality. By pointing your iPhone’s camera at an object, you can ask Siri questions about it, providing instant context or answers about things like landmarks, plants, or everyday items.

For users new or upgrading to macOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during Mac onboarding. Users will have access to Apple Intelligence features after setti

Apple Intelligence will only be enabled by default for hardware that supports it. For the iPhone, that's just the iPhone 15 Pro series, iPhone 16 series, and iPhone 16 Pro series. It goes further back on the iPad and Mac—Apple Intelligence works on any model with an M1 processor or newer.

If you're on the fence about Apple Intelligence features on your iPhone, just know they'll be automatically installed with the next iOS update. According to Apple's beta developer notes, Apple Intelligence will automatically be switched on when you install iOS 18.

Plus: Google stuffs Gemini into Workspace, with a hidden off switch? Ready or not, generative AI assistants and productivity aids are getting harder to avoid with a growing number of software vendors enabling them by default.