iOS 18.3.1 and macOS 15.3.1: Updates turn deactivated Apple AI back on
Apple's AI is active by default on supported iPhones, iPads and Macs. If the user has deactivated it, the latest update switches it back on.
(Image: Apple)
Apple's latest operating system updates can bring Apple Intelligence back into operation – even against the explicit wishes of the user. After installing iOS 18.3.1, macOS 15.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, Apple's AI package is activated under certain circumstances and downloads the associated language models, as reported by users who had previously switched off Apple Intelligence themselves or not activated it at all.
The behavior could also be observed on devices of the Mac & i editorial team: Apple Intelligence, which was turned off manually under versions 18.3 and 15.3, was then active again independently after the new system versions were installed.
Apple Intelligence dialog cannot be rejected
If a message about Apple Intelligence appears on the first start after installing the update, the AI is apparently activated automatically. Users can neither reject nor skip this dialog, but only click or tap on "Continue", which then apparently also activates Apple Intelligence. Whether this is a deliberately designed function or a bug remains to be seen.
The language models for Apple's AI currently take up around 6 GB of storage space. If you would rather not use Apple Intelligence, you will have to deactivate the AI in the settings.
Apple has already started to create a broader audience for the integrated AI models with iOS 18.3 and macOS 15.3: With these operating system versions, Apple Intelligence is automatically active, with Apple switching from an opt-in to an opt-out process. Users therefore have to switch it off themselves. However, at least the .3 versions seemed to adhere to this setting: If Apple Intelligence had already been turned off before, it remained off with iOS / iPadOS 18.3 and macOS 15.3.
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Apple Intelligence soon available in German
In the EU, Apple Intelligence is currently only available in English and on Macs. On iPhones and iPads, the functions can be activated in EU member states such as Germany through a workaround using a non-EU account.
In April, Apple Intelligence will also be launched within the EU - and in German, probably with iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4. The AI should then also be activated by default there.
(lbe)
