Apple is taking a significant step forward in integrating artificial intelligence into its operating systems, with the latest update enabling AI-powered features by default in iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3. According to release candidate notes spotted by 9to5Mac, new users or those upgrading to the latest versions of Apple's operating systems will have Apple Intelligence features automatically switched on.

The AI update will only apply to devices that support Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro and later, iPads and Macs with the Apple Silicon M1 chip or later, and the most recent version of the iPad mini. This means that users of these devices will have access to features like AI notification summaries, Image Playground, and tools that can rewrite pieces of text running on their device, unless they manually disable Apple Intelligence in the settings.

For users new or upgrading to macOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during Mac onboarding. To disable Apple Intelligence, users will need to navigate to the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings pane and turn off the Apple Intelligence toggle. This will disable Apple Intelligence features on their device, giving users more control over their AI-powered experience.

The move comes as Apple continues to expand its AI capabilities, following recent controversies surrounding the accuracy of AI notification summaries. Last week, iOS 18.3 beta testers spotted an update that will pause AI notification summaries for news and entertainment apps after the feature inaccurately summarized a BBC headline. Apple will also make it easier to identify notification summaries on the iPhone's lock screen and note that they "may contain errors."

Industry experts see this move as a significant step forward for Apple's AI ambitions, as the company continues to integrate AI-powered features into its operating systems. "By enabling Apple Intelligence by default, Apple is making a bold statement about the importance of AI in its ecosystem," said tech analyst Sarah Jones. "This move will likely have significant implications for the future of AI-powered features in Apple's products."

The implications of this update are far-reaching, with potential consequences for user privacy, data security, and the overall user experience. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of AI-powered features, it remains to be seen how users will respond to the increased presence of AI in their daily lives.

In the meantime, users who are concerned about the automatic enablement of Apple Intelligence can take steps to disable the feature in their settings. By doing so, they can regain control over their AI-powered experience and ensure that their devices are tailored to their individual needs.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: AI is here to stay, and Apple is leading the charge. With the latest update, Apple is making a significant bet on the future of AI-powered features, and only time will tell if it will pay off.