Introduction

In a surprising twist for tech enthusiasts, Apple has introduced a significant change with the release candidate builds of its upcoming updates—iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3. This latest batch of updates, sent out to developers, features an automatic activation of the company’s AI-powered Apple Intelligence functionalities during initial device setup. Previously, when Apple Intelligence debuted in iOS 18.1, these features were deliberately set to 'off' by default, requiring users to choose to opt in if they desired.

Change in User Consent

But the new updates have flipped the script! Now, users will need to navigate to the Apple Intelligence & Siri section within the Settings app to opt out of these features after setup. This change reflects Apple's commitment to integrating more advanced technology into everyday use but raises questions regarding user consent and privacy.

Device Compatibility

Importantly, Apple Intelligence will only be automatically enabled on hardware that supports it. For iPhone users, this includes only the latest models: the iPhone 15 Pro series, iPhone 16 series, and iPhone 16 Pro series. However, a broader range of devices, including any iPad or Mac with an M1 chip or newer, will also benefit from the new features.

Comparison with Other Tech Giants

Apple’s strategy mirrors that of tech giants like Microsoft and Google, who have fast-tracked AI features while labeling them as “beta,” thus shielding themselves from potential backlash when things don’t go as planned. For instance, with the iOS 18.3 update, Apple has had to temporarily disable notification summaries for certain apps in the “news and entertainment” category, as some summaries contained significant factual inaccuracies—this reflects the growing pains often associated with implementing cutting-edge technology.

Legacy of AI Features in Apple’s Ecosystem

The legacy of AI features within Apple’s ecosystem also draws parallels to the launch of Siri in 2011, which was introduced as a “beta” and did not shed that label until 2013 after considerable public scrutiny.

Additional Updates in iOS 18.3

Other updates in iOS 18.3, while less dramatic, still bring valuable enhancements. New "Visual Intelligence" features for iPhone 16 users allow for exciting functionalities, such as adding events directly to your calendar by scanning flyers or identifying different plants and animals from images. Moreover, the notification summaries have received a makeover; users can now disable summaries for individual apps from the lock screen, and changes have been made to improve visual clarity with italicized text separating notifications.

New Mac Features

Additionally, Mac users have something to look forward to with the introduction of the “Genmoji” feature, which previously rolled out on iPhones and iPads in the iOS/iPadOS 18.2 update.

Conclusion

Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, and while the shift to automatic activation may cause a stir among privacy-conscious users, it’s clear the tech titan is determined to position itself at the forefront of AI advancement. Are you ready to embrace this new age of AI with Apple? Buckle up—change is coming fast!