How to Try Apple Intelligence Right Now

Back in July, we learned Apple Intelligence, Apple's brand-name for its generative AI features, would not be shipping with iOS 18 after all, and would instead arrive with the launch of iOS 18.1. What's more, this version of iOS does not include all of Apple Intelligence's features, as the company plans to roll out many in subsequent updates. While Apple won't officially roll out the first iteration of Apple Intelligence until sometime next week, that doesn't mean these AI features will be totally absent until then. In fact, you can try them out right now-with some big caveats.

There are two different beta versions to explore

Since July, Apple has been beta testing iOS 18.1. This is the version with the initial slate of Apple Intelligence features. That includes Apple's AI writing tools, new AI features in apps like Mail and Photos, some AI upgrades to Siri, as well as Clean Up, Apple's version of Magic Eraser. This is the update shipping out next week.

However, on Oct. 23, a week ahead of iOS 18.1's official launch, the company seeded developers the first beta for iOS 18.2. That includes a number of AI features missing from iOS 18.1, including Image Playground, Apple's AI image generator; Image Wand, a Notes feature that turns your sketches into full illustrations; Genmoji, custom emoji created from image prompts; Visual Intelligence, an iPhone 16 feature that gives you information around the world around you via your phone's camera; updates to Writing Tools; and ChatGPT integration.

Obviously, it's tempting to jump onto iOS 18.2 now that it's available in beta: While accessing the developer beta used to cost $99 per year, in recent years, Apple has opened up the developer beta to all interested parties. That means anyone can install the iOS 18.2 developer beta on their iPhone, even if they're not an iOS developer. That said, this is the very first version of the iOS 18.2 beta, which means it hasn't gone through any formal beta testing. That puts you at greater risk of bugs and instabilities Apple hasn't been able to patch yet.

On the flip side, Apple is currently offering iOS 18.1 as a Release Candidate (RC). While technically offered through the beta channel, the RC indicates Apple believes this version of the software is ready to ship. It gives this version to public testers and developers first, though, just in case there are any bugs or issues it missed in testing. If so, it'll fix them and issue another RC. If not, the iOS 18.1 RC is the version of iOS the general public will receive next week.

As such, at this time, it's much safer to download the iOS 18.1 RC over the iOS 18.2 developer beta. Apple will eventually release a public beta for iOS 18.2, which will likely contain fixes for any major issues the company discovered with the first developer beta. Still, it's important to remember that all beta software is in testing, and therefore unfinished, which means there could be bugs and other issues that would interfere with your normal device use-basically, whether you're using the developer beta or the public beta, it's still a beta. If you don't have a spare Apple device to install betas on, make sure to back up your iPhone or iPad first if you choose to install the beta.

Apple Intelligence is not here for everyone

Some caveats: Apple Intelligence is only available on iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 series, or iPads and Macs with an M1 chip or newer. If you have an iPhone 15 or older, or a device without the M-series chip, you're out of luck. In addition, installing the iOS 18.1 or iOS 18.2 beta isn't enough to access Apple Intelligence. There's another step.

Installing Apple Intelligence on your iPhoneHow to install the public beta (iOS 18.1 RC)

If you haven't done so yet, log into beta.apple.com with the Apple ID associated with your iPhone. Assuming you have a compatible iPhone or iPad, open Settings, then head toGeneral > Software Update. Allow the page to load a moment, then choose Beta Updates. Here, choose iOS 18 Public Beta, then hit Back. Once this page loads again, you should see iOS 18.1 Beta. (At this time, only the iOS 18.1 RC is available for public testers.) From here, hit Update Now, then follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

How to install the developer beta (iOS 18.1 RC or iOS 18.2)

First, you may need to log into https://developer.apple.com with the Apple ID associated with your iPhone. Then, assuming you have a compatible iPhone or iPad, open Settings >General > Software Update. When available, choose Beta Updates, then tap iOS 18 Developer Beta. Tap Back, then, after a moment, you should see iOS 18.1 Beta. This is the RC. If you want to install it, tap Update Now, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

However, if you want to install iOS 18.2, tap iOS 18.2 beta at the bottom of this page. Then, tap Update Now, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update.

How to access and join the Apple Intelligence waitlist

Once you're running iOS 18.1 or iOS 18.2, head back to Settings. You should now have an Apple Intelligence option. Tap this, choose Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist, then hit Join Waitlist on the pop-up. There's no set time for how long Apple keeps you on the waitlist: You could be approved instantly, or it may take about 30 minutes.

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