Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 will have a waitlist, here’s how to jump the line - 9to5Mac

The first Apple Intelligence features are coming next week in iOS 18.1. If you have an AI-compatible iPhone model, the software update will bring a host of new features. But not right away—Apple Intelligence will come with a waitlist. Here’s how you can act now to jump the line.

Process for unlocking Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1

When iOS 18.1 releases next week, it will be available for a wide variety of iPhones. But only the following will support Apple Intelligence:

all iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

But having a compatible iPhone model isn’t the only requirement for Apple Intelligence. Apple will also use a waitlist for granting access to Apple Intelligence features.

After installing iOS 18.1, you’ll need to go to Settings ⇾ Apple Intelligence & Siri to join the waitlist.

How long you stay on the waitlist will be determined by demand.

During the beta period, waits generally haven’t been too long for users. But that could all change when iOS 18.1 is released to the masses next week.

But there’s one sure way to get Apple Intelligence access sooner.

Join the Apple Intelligence waitlist today

You can join the Apple Intelligence waitlist today. How? By installing the iOS 18.1 public beta.

Apple just released the iOS 18.1 RC beta today.

RC stands for release candidate, meaning the software will likely be identical to what’s released to all users next week.

But you can join Apple’s Beta Software Program for free and get access to that same update a week ahead of time.

More importantly: once you install the iOS 18.1 RC, you’ll be able to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist without waiting another day.

That’s right: you’ll jump ahead of the potential millions of iOS 18.1 users who will be joining the waitlist next week. And you’ll get the exact same iOS 18.1 experience, with minimal bugs or performance issues.

And hey, if you’re enjoying Apple Intelligence, you’ll also be set up to install the forthcoming iOS 18.2 beta with even more AI goodies, such as Genmoji.

Are you joining the Apple Intelligence waitlist ahead of time? Let us know in the comments.