Apple Intelligence setup guide: compatible iPhones, Macs, Settings, Siri

Check compatibility and languages, enable Apple Intelligence in Settings, then try Writing Tools and Siri.

Got an iPhone 15 Pro or M-series Mac but no Apple Intelligence menu? Confirm Apple's compatibility list and OS version, then turn it on under Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri, and try Writing Tools plus Siri — do not skip language matching.

This guide follows Apple Support for Apple Intelligence compatible devices and first setup: which iPhones and Macs qualify, how to enable in Settings, and first steps for Writing Tools and Siri. Facts come from Apple documentation only.

Compatible devices (per Apple)

Apple Support article HT121115 and apple.com/apple-intelligence list hardware and OS requirements. Availability varies by region and language.

Turn on Apple Intelligence in Settings

Apple's iPhone User Guide states: if Apple Intelligence is off, open Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri and turn it on. Steps below match official documentation.

1. 1

   Update to the latest OS

   iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update (iOS 26+). Mac: System Settings → General → Software Update (macOS Tahoe 26+). Feature sets expand with OS versions per Apple Support.

2. 2

   Match device and Siri language

   Settings → General → Language & Region for device language. Under Apple Intelligence & Siri, set Siri to the same supported language. Changing Siri language may pause Apple Intelligence until the new language pack finishes downloading.

3. 3

   Enable Apple Intelligence

   Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri → turn on Apple Intelligence, or tap Turn on Apple Intelligence. First enable downloads on-device models — keep Wi‑Fi and power connected.

4. 4

   Same path on Mac

   System Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri → turn on Apple Intelligence. Regional availability notes are on the same Apple Support page.

5. 5

   Free storage if prompted

   Apple Support lists local storage requirements. Follow onscreen steps to free space if the download cannot start.

Compatible device table

First use: Writing Tools

Apple Support and the iPhone User Guide state Writing Tools appear in most places you type once Apple Intelligence is on — Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and many third-party apps.

1. 1

   Select text

   Open Notes, a Mail draft, or Messages composer and highlight text.

2. 2

   Tap Show Writing Tools

   Choose Show Writing Tools from the menu. Apple lists Proofread, Rewrite (Friendly / Professional / Concise), and Summarize options.

3. 3

   Review and accept

   Preview suggested edits before replacing your text. Switch rewrite styles from the same panel.

First use: Siri with Apple Intelligence

Apple's guide "Use Apple Intelligence with Siri on iPhone" describes a redesigned Siri that stays on screen for follow-up questions.

1. 1

   Activate Siri

   Hold the side button or say Siri / "Hey Siri" if enabled. The Siri field stays visible while you interact.

2. 2

   Type to Siri

   When you cannot speak aloud, type in the Siri field. Apple notes typing availability with Apple Intelligence enabled; language and region limits apply.

3. 3

   Adjust Siri settings

   Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri for voice feedback, responses, and optional ChatGPT extension — opt-in per Apple Support.

Compare setup screens on figmeet · guide · features.

# Official starting points
https://support.apple.com/en-us/121115
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/intro-to-apple-intelligence-iphc28624b81/ios
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/find-the-right-words-with-writing-tools-iph6f08da1d2/ios
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-apple-intelligence-with-siri-iph17bafe0f6/ios
https://www.apple.com/apple-intelligence/

Apple Intelligence is not a standalone app — it lives in the OS. If Settings lacks Apple Intelligence & Siri, the hardware or OS is usually outside Apple's compatibility list.

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