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Huge iPhone changes coming for millions this month but only certain Apple users qualify

Huge iPhone changes coming for millions this month but only certain Apple users qualify

Only a lucky few get a glimpse at the future of the iPhone

Apple is bringing us screeching into 2024 with the iPhone 16, and while many have already had the latest model in our hands since it was released on September 20, there are still some big surprises on the way.

With such a boom in artificial intelligence, Apple is getting in on the action by (finally) embracing AI.

Although Apple has been criticized as being late to the trend, CEO Tim Cook has explained why he wanted the tech giant to take its time and make sure it got things right.

Apple Intelligence is an important selling feature of iOS 18.1 and the iPhone 16, although not everyone has got an invite to the party.

Despite some expecting Apple Intelligence to arrive out of the box with the new fleet of iPhones, we've been left waiting on tenterhooks to make the most of its fancy features.

The future of the iPhone is here (Apple)
The future of the iPhone is here (Apple)

We're told that Apple Intelligence is coming on October 28, but as we near the big day, millions realize they're going to be missing out.

There are two conditions to gain access to Apple Intelligence, with the first locking out older phones.

Your iPhone will need the A17 processing chip that's found in the iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 Pro models.

In terms of iPads, you'll need the M1 chip found in Pro models from 2021 or iPad Air after 2022.

Anyone with the basic iPhone 15 or earlier will be unable to make the full use of Apple Intelligence.

Even though it's expected that some features will be available, it won't be the all singing, all dancing, version found on the iPhone 16s and 15 Pro.

If that wasn't enough to contend with, Apple Intelligence isn't automatically being given to those in the United Kingdom.

A beta version of Apple Intelligence is arriving in the UK in October, with a full release expected to land in December.

Apple will still let you try out the full US version of Apple Intelligence, although it'll take a bit of work.

This is just the start of Apple Intelligence's capabilities (Apple)
This is just the start of Apple Intelligence's capabilities (Apple)

As long as you've got iOS 18.1 installed, you'll have to change your phone's language and Siri to US English.

When iOS 18.1 is installed, follow these steps:

  • Head to Settings
  • Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri
  • Select Join the Apple Intelligence Waiting List
  • When your phone is ready to be activated, you'll receive a notification

It should only take a few hours to pass through the process, and looking at the list of features on the way, we're sure a lot of you will be signing up.

Apple Intelligence's impressive resume includes the ability to write smart replies in emails, overhaul the way you edit photographs, and summarize notifications.

Even the release of Apple Intelligence won't be the finished product, as we're told more feature will be added 'in the months to come.'

Sadly, if you thought you could make the most of Apple's latest innovations with your old handset, you could be out of luck.

Featured Image Credit: SOPA Images / Contributor / Catherine Delahaye / Getty