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."


You May Also Like

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 photo portrait of a journalist with blonde hair and a band t-shirt.
Shannon Connellan
UK Editor

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 entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Everything announced at the February 2026 Nintendo Direct
Player character and dog in Fallout 4

'The AI Doc' producer Daniel Kwan on the future and threat of artificial intelligence
Daniel Kwan, Charlie Tyrell, and Ted Tremper talking to Mashable about 'The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist'

I love this Nintendo Switch 2 case — get it for its lowest-ever price on Amazon
The tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 in gray on a blue and purple background

Google is bringing Personal Intelligence to AI Mode in Google Search
Personal Intelligence in AI Mode in Google Search

Where to pre-order 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' for the Nintendo Switch 2
super mario bros. wonder nintendo switch 2 edition + meetup in bellabel park cover against a pink and purple patterned background

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!