Katarzyna Petru
The Apple Intelligence system is Apple’s response to the growing popularity of AI tools. The feature was introduced with new versions of Apple systems and works on selected devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and the latest models from the iPhone 17 series. Although Apple Intelligence hasn't caused quite the revolution that the company promised, many of its features can genuinely ease everyday use of the iPhone and Mac. Here are six tools that are really worth knowing.
Priority Notifications
One of the most practical features is the notification prioritisation system. Apple Intelligence analyses incoming alerts and automatically highlights those that may be the most important. For example: messages from close contacts, important emails, weather alerts, financial notifications. This ensures that the most important information appears at the top of the notification list on the lock screen. Automatic message summaries Apple Intelligence can generate short summaries of messages and notifications. Instead of reading lengthy messages or emails, the user receives a condensed version of the content. The feature works, among others, in: messages, the Mail app, app notifications, and the Safari browser. This allows for a quick understanding of the content without reading the entire text.
New version of Siri
The Siri assistant has also gained new capabilities thanks to Apple Intelligence. Changes include: more natural conversation handling, better understanding of questions, and the ability to ask follow-up questions. In some cases, Siri can also utilise integration with ChatGPT to find answers to more complex queries. A new feature is the ability to launch Siri without a voice command. The Tap to Siri feature allows you to summon the assistant by tapping the screen or using a keyboard shortcut. This is particularly useful in public places where the user does not want to speak to their phone out loud.
Focus Mode with AI
Apple Intelligence also enhances the focus modes in iOS. The new Reduce Interruptions mode uses AI to filter notifications. The system can allow through only those messages that might genuinely require attention, such as urgent messages, security alerts, and important financial notifications. In the Photos app, a Clean Up feature has appeared, which uses generative artificial intelligence to remove unwanted elements from photographs.
The user can select an object in the photo, and the system will attempt to remove it and fill in the background using AI. The feature doesn’t always work perfectly, but it allows for quick corrections to photos without using additional apps.
Apple Intelligence is not yet a fully developed AI system, but it already offers several features that genuinely assist in everyday use of Apple devices. Priority notifications, news summaries, and smart focus modes demonstrate that Apple is more focused on small improvements to daily tasks, rather than spectacular but seldom-used features.
source: cnet.com
