First features of Apple Intelligence launched, reviews are mixed

Apple has released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing the first set of Apple Intelligence features. These AI-powered enhancements are available on select devices equipped with A17 Pro, M1, or later chips. Users can opt into Apple Intelligence after downloading the update and will be added to a short waitlist to prepare Apple’s servers for increased computational demands.

The initial batch of Apple Intelligence features includes writing tools for proofreading, rewriting, and summarizing text, an enhanced Siri experience with a new design and improved language understanding, and photo enhancements such as memory movies and object removal. Additionally, Apple has introduced AI-powered Focus modes and smart replies in Mail and Messages.

The updates also bring other improvements and bug fixes, such as the ability to record phone calls, NFC access for third-party apps, and refinements to the Control Center. However, some highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features, like Genmoji and Image Playground, will be released in future updates.

Sources: MacRumors, MacRumors, TechCrunch

The first reviews are in

Early reviewers like John Voorhees at MacStories and the Six Colors staff find Apple Intelligence to be a mixed bag of features that show promise but need refinement. John Voorhees notes that while Apple’s integrated, privacy-focused approach is commendable, many features feel unfinished and unpolished. The Writing Tools receives particular attention, with Proofreading being highlighted as potentially useful when properly integrated into apps, though the rewriting features often produce overly formal or unnatural results.

Both reviews emphasize that Siri’s improvements are mostly cosmetic at this stage, with its new colorful interface and better handling of follow-up questions, but the assistant’s core intelligence remains largely unchanged. The Photos app’s new Clean Up feature for removing unwanted elements from images generally impresses reviewers, though Memory Movies receives criticism for inconsistent results. The Priority Inbox in Mail is notably criticized for often highlighting less important messages while missing truly significant ones.

The reviewers share concerns about the broader implications of Apple’s AI strategy. Voorhees particularly worries about Apple potentially sacrificing its traditional balance between technology and liberal arts in pursuit of AI capabilities. Both reviews suggest that while these features represent only the beginning of Apple’s AI journey, they need substantial improvement to match the company’s typically high standards for public releases. The consensus seems to be that Apple Intelligence is a necessary but tentative first step into the AI space, with much room for growth and refinement in future updates.

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