Starting next month, Apple will introduce its new Apple Intelligence features in beta with the iOS 18.1 update. However, not everyone will get immediate access. Users in the European Union (EU) and China will face delays due to legal and regulatory issues. Here’s a look at who can access these features, the devices that support them, and why some regions will have to wait.
Apple’s New AI Features in iOS 18.1: What You Need to Know
Which iPhones Are Compatible?
Not all iPhones will support Apple Intelligence. Due to hardware requirements like RAM and NPU performance, only select models qualify:
- Older iPhones: Only iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will support Apple Intelligence.
- New iPhones: All models in the iPhone 16 lineup (iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max) will be compatible.
You’ll need iOS 18.1 installed, 4GB of free storage, and your device and Siri language set to a supported language.
Language and Region Restrictions
Initially, Apple Intelligence will only support U.S. English, with other English variants coming in December. By next year, more languages like Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish will be added.
However, users in the EU and China face significant limitations. In the EU, Apple Intelligence won’t work if your Apple ID is tied to an EU country or if you are physically in the EU, even if you’ve set your iPhone and Siri to a supported language. This means users in the EU will only be able to use these features when traveling outside of the region.
In China, the restrictions are even tighter. Apple Intelligence won’t work on iPhones purchased in mainland China or for users whose Apple ID is linked to the country. It will also be unavailable while physically in mainland China.
Workaround for EU Users
Some EU beta testers have found a way to access Apple Intelligence by changing their Apple ID region to a supported country, like the U.S. However, this workaround has significant downsides:
- You must empty your iTunes store balance.
- Cancel any Apple subscriptions like iCloud or Apple Music.
- Provide a fake U.S. address, which may not work with your current payment methods.
- Lose access to all apps and purchases from the EU App Store, forcing you to start fresh in the U.S. App Store.
For most users, this workaround may be too inconvenient.
Why the Delay in the EU and China?
As reported by CNBC, The delays in these regions are primarily due to regulations and privacy concerns.
In the EU, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires companies like Apple, classified as “gatekeepers,” to follow strict rules about fair competition and transparency, especially concerning user data privacy. Apple is working closely with EU regulators to ensure that Apple Intelligence complies with these regulations before launching the features there.
China, with its stringent data privacy laws, presents a different challenge. Apple’s emphasis on user privacy and keeping data secure conflicts with China’s strict regulations, further delaying the rollout.
What Features Are Included in Apple Intelligence?
When it finally becomes available, Apple Intelligence will offer several useful AI-powered features, including:
- Writing Tools: Smart writing suggestions across apps.
- Photo Cleanup: Automatic organization and cleanup of photos.
- Memory Movies: Curated video highlights from your photo library.
- Natural Language Search: Advanced search in Photos using natural language.
- Notification Summaries: Summarized notifications to reduce distractions.
- Smart Replies: AI-generated replies in Mail and Messages.
- Siri Enhancements: A more natural voice, better request handling, and the ability to type to Siri.
When Will These Features Be Available in the EU?
Though the delay is frustrating for EU and Chinese users, Apple is actively working with regulators to ensure compliance. Once these issues are resolved, Apple Intelligence will become available in the EU, but the timeline is still unclear.
Conclusion
Apple’s new AI features in iOS 18.1 promise to make using your iPhone even more intuitive and efficient. However, users in the EU and China will need to wait a bit longer due to regulatory concerns. Once available, Apple Intelligence will offer enhanced features that streamline tasks, making everyday use of your iPhone smoother and more intelligent.
