iPhone 16 is getting Apple Intelligence — and it's free

Apple Intelligence is now coming to the iPhone 16 series — and it's free.

There was some debate about whether Apple's new suite of AI tools would cost a subscription fee. But VP of Software Craig Federighi confirmed at the Apple event on Monday, that it doesn't cost a thing — besides the actual cost of the iPhone 16 which starts at $799 and $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus.

Apple's collection of AI features, branded as Apple Intelligence, made its debut at WWDC 2024, showcasing new AI-powered tools like a smarter Siri, notification summaries, Genmoji, and more. Initially, Apple Intelligence was reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. But now, the non-Pro versions of the iPhone 16, which arrive on Sept. 20, are getting it, too.

Apple Intelligence comes to iPhone 16

Here are the Apple Intelligence features announced for the iPhone 16. As noted during the event, many of the Apple Intelligence features are processed on-device. For those that require cloud computing, Apple has dedicated Apple Intelligence servers called Private Cloud Compute that don't store user data and are used only to process requests.

• Writing Tools: As Federighi said, Apple Intelligence is available "wherever you type," including third-party apps like Slack and Goodreads. The AI integration helps iPhone 16 users draft, rewrite, and proofread text.

• Transcription and summaries in Notes: Apple Intelligence enables Apple users to record, transcribe, and summarize calls and audio recordings in the Notes and Phone apps.

• Genmoji: With Apple Intelligence, you can create new emoji by typing a description or create new images with Image Playground.

• Photos: In the Photos app, you can find an image you're looking for by typing a description or even a specific moment in a video. Apple also introduced a "Clean Up" tool that uses Apple Intelligence to remove unwanted objects or people that get in the way of your perfect shot.

• AI-generated summaries: In Mail and notifications on the home screen, you can get a quick summary of your inbox in the Mail app. Apple Intelligence also provides AI-generated summaries of notifications and prioritizes them based on importance.

• Behold, the new Siri: As promised, Siri is more natural, contextually relevant, and more personalized. Aside from voice prompts, you can type to Siri. The voice assistant also has more expansive knowledge for helping troubleshoot or accomplish something on your iPhone 16. Siri also has more contextual on-screen awareness, so it sees what you see on the screen, or a collection of photos you referenced.

Apple Intelligence on iPhone 16 will be available in beta in October as part of the iOS 18.1 update. It will start in the U.S. in English and then roll out to other countries.

What other Apple devices support Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is also compatible with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, as well as last year's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, with the iOS 18.1 update. It will also be available on iPad with the iPadOS 18.1 update, Mac with the M1 chip, and later on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update.

If you were wondering, Apple briefly mentioned ChatGPT as an option for various AI features. But it's not expected to be available with the first Apple Intelligence update in iOS 18.

Mashable is currently in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things Apple Intelligence before, during, and after the event.