Apple has just released its first iOS 18.1 beta for all developers, which includes support for Apple Intelligence that you can test right now on your compatible iPhone or iPad. The new AI features from Apple come more than a month after the company announced iOS 18 at its WWDC event. If you are interested, you can install the latest beta right now, but this time around, Apple Intelligence will not be available directly, as you would have to enable it through the Settings app on your iPhone.
How to install iOS 18.1 and enable Apple Intelligence for early access
Apple has announced an Apple Intelligence beta update for developers, which comes with some pretty major additions. If you want to install the beta on your iPhone and enable Apple Intelligence, follow the step-by-step instructions below for more details. The process is quite simple, and you will already be familiar with most of the steps.
As a prerequisite, you must have an iPhone 15 Pro or the iPhone 15 Pro Max to use Apple Intelligence, as the company has set base requirements for it to work. If you are installing the beta on your iPad, it should be powered by at least an M1 chip, and the same approach applies to the Mac.
Step 1: The first thing that you have to do is link your Apple ID to your Developer Account. If you do not have a developer account, you can make one from Apple's Developer website.
Step 2: Back up your iPhone or iPad in case something goes wrong.
Step 3: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone and head over to General > Software Update > Beta Updates > Select iOS 18.1 Developer Beta option.
Step 4: For the iOS 18.1 Beta option to appear, you must be running iOS 18 beta, which is why it is not showing in the beta menu, so be sure to install it.
Step 5: Tap on Back and look for the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta option to appear. Once it does, select Download and Install.
How to enable Apple Intelligence after installing iOS 18.1 Beta
Step 1: After you have installed iOS 18.1 beta on your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings.
Step 2: Tap on the new Apple Intelligence & Siri button below Accessibility.
Step 3: Select the Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist at the top.
This is all that you have to do to get Apple Intelligence features on your iPhone. Take note that it may take a few hours for Apple to enable Apple Intelligence features on your iPhone. There will be a handful of features that you can test right now on your iPhone and the company will add more as it continues to roll out new beta builds. Share your Apple Intelligence experience with us in the comments.
