Starting next month, users with compatible iPhones will have access to the full suite of Apple Intelligence features (currently in beta) with the anticipated iOS 18.1 update. However, this rollout will not include users in the EU or China, where the new AI features will be introduced at a later date.
First, let’s clarify which devices are eligible for Apple Intelligence. Due to the requirements for NPU performance and RAM, only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max from previous models will support these features. All new models, including the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, are also compatible.
To use Apple Intelligence, you’ll need iOS 18.1, at least 4GB of available storage, and your device and Siri language must be set to a supported language.
Initially, only US English will be supported, with other regional English variants to be added in December. In the coming year, the language options will expand to include Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish.
It’s important to note that even if you set your iPhone and Siri to a supported language, the features will not be available if your Apple ID Country/Region is set to an EU country and you are physically in the EU. However, you will have access to these features while traveling outside of the EU.
EU users of the iOS 18 beta have discovered a workaround to access Apple Intelligence in the EU by changing their Apple ID region to a supported one, such as the US. However, this workaround has significant implications. Changing your region requires you to first clear any remaining balance in your iTunes Store account and cancel all Apple subscriptions. You’ll also need to provide a fictitious address in the new region, which might complicate billing for your payment methods and purchasing apps or services from Apple. Additionally, this switch will result in losing access to apps purchased from your original regional App Store and will necessitate starting over in the new App Store.
For China, the restrictions are even stricter. Apple Intelligence will not work on iPhones purchased in mainland China. For iPhones bought outside of mainland China, the features will remain inaccessible while in mainland China or if your Apple ID region is set to mainland China.
On a positive note, EU iPhones will eventually receive Apple Intelligence. The delay is largely due to regulatory concerns, particularly the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The EU requires regular verification by independent experts to ensure Apple maintains customer data privacy. Apple has emphasized that AI features not operating directly on-device will be processed on Apple servers using Apple silicon, with no storage of user data or images.
The deep integration of Apple Intelligence with other Apple services may be creating challenges. As a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must adhere to strict regulations concerning fair competition and transparency due to its significant market influence. Additionally, the Core Technology Fee that Apple imposes on developers could also become problematic.
This isn’t about feasibility but rather about Apple’s cautious approach. The company is reportedly negotiating with EU regulators to find the best way to implement Apple Intelligence and other affected features while complying with the DMA.
According to CNBC, Apple is delaying iPhone Mirroring and enhancements to SharePlay for EU users due to similar DMA concerns. Apple has stated that “the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security.”
As a result, the features of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 will not be available on iPhones in the EU and China. Here’s what you can expect to be missing:
- Writing Tools
- Clean Up in Photos
- Create a Memory Movie in Photos
- Natural Language Search in Photos
- Notification Summaries
- Reduce Interruptions Focus
- Intelligent Breakthrough & Silencing in Focus
- Priority Messages in Mail
- Smart Reply in Mail and Messages
- Summaries in Mail and Messages
- Siri Enhancements, including improved product knowledge, more resilient request handling, a new look and feel, a more natural voice, and the ability to type to Siri
