Apple's highly anticipated AI features, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, are set to become more accessible to users outside the United States.
With the release of iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 beta 3, Apple has relaxed the regional requirements for accessing Apple Intelligence.
Enabling Apple Intelligence Outside the US
(Photo : Apple)
Previously, users needed to change Siri's language to the US if they want to access Apple Intelligence. The latest betas won't limit you anymore with it.
The third beta of iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1, released to developers on Wednesday, Aug. 28, introduced a game-breaking change in the accessibility of Apple Intelligence features.
Previously, users needed to change their device region to the US to activate these features. However, with the latest update, the region setting is no longer a barrier.
Now, users only need to set Siri and the device language to US English to access Apple Intelligence, without the need to alter their region settings, according to MacRumors.
This update is a welcome change for users outside the US who want to explore Apple Intelligence without affecting other region-specific settings, such as phone number formats and calendar configurations. However, it's important to note that while features like Writing Tools and Summarization are still limited to English, this broader access allows more users to engage with Apple's AI innovations.
Apple Intelligence is still in its beta phase and is available only on certain devices, specifically the iPhone 15 Pro or later models, as well as iPads and Macs equipped with the M1 chip or later. Despite these hardware limitations, the introduction of beta 3 has broadened the user base that can explore these AI-driven features.
In addition to expanding access, beta 3 also introduces a new feature called Clean Up. This tool allows users to erase objects and people from photographs, processing images locally on the device.
Clean Up, like other Apple Intelligence features, requires compatible hardware, ensuring that the processing power needed for these tasks is readily available, as per 9to5Mac.
When is Apple Intelligence Coming
While iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia are slated for public release next month, Apple Intelligence will not be fully available until October. This phased rollout allows Apple to continue re-tweaking these features, ensuring that they meet the company's high standards for functionality and user experience.
Users in regions such as the EU and China are still unable to activate Apple Intelligence, reflecting the ongoing challenges in making these features universally available. However, the latest changes suggest that Apple is committed to expanding access as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Apple Eyes to Bring Global Accessibility
Apple's decision to drop the region requirement for Apple Intelligence in the latest beta updates suggests that it's going all-out to reach more audiences in different parts of the world.
Apple allows users to enable these features with just a language change. As easy as that, the Cupertino giant is simplifying the process and opening the door for more users to experience its cutting-edge technology.
While everyone is excited for Apple Intelligence, analysts said that just like other apps, it will feature a paid subscription. Of course, to garner more attention, it will initially offer a free trial for the users.
