How to switch Apple Intelligence on/off on your iPhone

FYI it's on by default with iOS 18.3.
By
Shannon Connellan
 on 
The iPhone 16 on display inside an Apple store.
Credit: Stanislav Kogiku / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images

If you're not sure whether you want Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, the next iOS update has it automatically switched on.

As we reported in January, Apple's AI features will default to active when you install iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, or macOS 15.3 — all out now. This applies to iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

"For users new or upgrading to iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during iPhone onboarding," read Apple's beta developer notes. "Users will have access to Apple Intelligence features after setting up their devices."

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So, if you're not sure you automatically want Apple Intelligence features like the much maligned Notification Summaries, how do you switch it off? It's super simple.

How to switch Apple Intelligence on or off on your iPhone

Total Time
  • 2 min
What You Need
  • iPhone 16 model or iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone Pro Max
  • iOS 18.3

Step 1: Update your iPhone to iOS 18.3.

Software updates are located in Settings beneath your Apple account. iOS 18.3 is expected within the next few days.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings.

Step 3: Select "Apple Intelligence & Siri."

Step 4: Toggle off "Apple Intelligence."

Want to know what you can currently do with Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or on your Mac? Mashable's got you covered.

A black and white image of a person with a long braid and thick framed glasses.
Shannon Connellan

Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about everything (but not anything) across entertainment, tech, social good, science, and culture. Especially Australian horror.


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