Meta Pulls the Plug on Apple AI Features!

In a surprising turn of events, Meta has announced the removal of Apple’s writing tools from four of its most popular apps—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. This move was confirmed by CNET, and it's leaving many iPhone users scratching their heads!

A Shift in AI Strategy?

The change might have started as early as December 2024, causing confusion for those who had relied on Apple Intelligence to enhance their social media communications. Despite requests for clarity, neither Meta nor Apple responded.

What Users Are Experiencing!

CNET's senior writer, Abrar Al-Heeti, investigated and found that the once-available option to rewrite text using Apple’s AI has been replaced. Now, tapping the "Write with AI" prompt leads users directly to Meta’s own AI tools instead.

Curiously, on Threads and WhatsApp, the option to use any AI editing was completely absent, while Facebook only offered a basic "Help me write" feature that also directs users back to Meta’s AI.

Where Can You Still Use Apple AI?

For those who are fond of Apple's original writing aids, fear not! The Apple Intelligence tools continue to operate on other platforms like Signal, Bluesky, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Why Did This Happen?

The initial hint of this shift surfaced on the Brazilian tech blog sorcererhat, and further investigation by AppleInsider revealed that iOS apps require manual activation of these features. This insight shows Meta’s clear intention to encourage users to opt for its own AI over Apple's.

Understanding Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools

Apple Intelligence offers a suite of tools designed to enhance your writing experience. Currently, these tools are only available for newer devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 models, the 2024 iPad Mini, and select Mac computers.

To utilize these features, users need to highlight the text in their app, prompting a 'writing tools' option to appear. This allows for proofreading and rewriting options, tailored in styles like Friendly, Concise, or Professional.

What’s Next for Meta Users?

As tech giants ramp up their AI capabilities, Meta's pivot raises questions about user preferences and the ever-intensifying competition in the AI landscape. Stay tuned to see how these changes will affect the way we communicate online!