Excitement is in the air as we gear up for WWDC 2025! With Apple's ongoing battle against Google Gemini and a slew of other AI contenders, we’re eager to see how they’ll enhance their Apple Intelligence. While some features have made headlines, it’s the unsung heroes of AI that have woven themselves into my daily routine.

Despite its rocky beginnings—think misleading summaries and delayed Siri upgrades—Apple Intelligence is proving its worth. Below are six indispensable features that I’ve come to rely on daily. If you’re armed with an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, or newer, get ready to elevate your Apple experience.

1. Prioritize Notifications: Stay Ahead of the Game

One of my recent favorites, Prioritize Notifications, has transformed how I see alerts. With this feature, crucial notifications leap to the top—think weather updates, important texts, and action-required emails—all highlighted with a vibrant shimmer unique to Apple Intelligence. Enable it by navigating to Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications, and let the AI determine what deserves your immediate attention.

2. TL;DR Summaries: Your Time-Saver

In an age where our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, Apple’s ability to deliver concise summaries is a game changer. Whether it’s long emails or overflowing notification feeds, the TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) feature gives you the gist in a single sentence, allowing you to quickly assess what’s important. You can even summon summaries in emails and Safari, making it easier to cut through the noise.

3. A Revamped Siri: More Interactive and Intuitive

The latest update brings a fresh look and improved interaction to Siri. Thanks to iOS 18.1, Siri is now more forgiving of interruptions and missteps when you speak. Plus, starting with iOS 18.2, ChatGPT integration means you have an extra educational ally at your fingertips. If Siri lacks an answer, you get the option to dive into a ChatGPT search without needing a separate account.

4. Silent Siri: Invoke Without the Disturbance

One of my top features is the ability to use Siri discreetly without saying "Hey Siri". Introducing Tap to Siri, you can double-tap the bottom edge of your screen to access Siri silently, ideal for public spaces or busy households. On Mac, this feature is customizable in System Settings. It might take a few extra taps, but the precision can save potential misunderstandings.

5. Clean Up: Photo Perfection at Your Fingertips

Photo editing just got easier with the Clean Up feature in the Photos app. No longer will you need third-party applications to remove distractions from your images. With a simple tap, the AI detects unwanted elements and allows you to erase them, improving your photo quality without complicating your workflow.

6. Focus Mode: AI-Powered Concentration

Stay on task with the enhanced Reduce Interruptions Focus mode, which makes filtering notifications smarter than ever. Whether you create personalized settings or utilize AI recommendations, this feature ensures only the most pertinent notifications get through, allowing you to maintain your productivity during crucial times.

While Apple Intelligence is still evolving, these features show us where Apple is headed as they embrace artificial intelligence. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone still waiting for improvements, there’s enough here to make your experience richer and more engaging. What feature are you most excited to explore?