Apple
iOS 18.1 users must clear waitlist to use Apple Intelligence
Apple has released iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence but you need to clear the waitlist first in order to use the initial batch of AI features.
The software update brings AI writing tools to help you improve a piece of text. It has redesigned Siri UI and animations, better notifications, summaries for mail, calls, notes, and more. However, when you go into settings and open Apple Intelligence, you will be greeted with “Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist”.
This reminds me of the first iOS 18.1 developer beta, the company rolled out Apple Intelligence for these enrolled developers. However, it required them to join the waitlist to test the new features, which makes sense.
These features were later available in public beta with the same waitlist, which is also right.
But the final rollout shouldn’t have a waitlist and it’s taking time to clear the access for eligible users. Whether it’s an iPhone 16 or an iPhone 15 Pro, you will have to wait for Apple to approve your waitlist request.
In reality, this final rollout is like a developer or close beta, where users don’t have access to even the first few Apple Intelligence features.
apple intelligence features screen (source – apple)
Approval, Wait and Hiccups:
The company released this software update for six iPhones – iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. These iPhone users can download the new iOS 18.1 to get Apple Intelligence.
Some users received waitlist approval after waiting for several minutes or an hour. While other users have been waiting to enter Apple Intelligence for hours. A few also reported a “Preparing” pause, in which Apple loads new changes to the device.
It appears the Apple Intelligence rollout is moving in stages, and similar to Image Creation on iOS 18.2, you will have to wait to get these new features on your iPhone.
Promising Apple Intelligence with iPhone 16 and then releasing it a month later is bad enough. Now people have to be on a waitlist to have promised features? Such a strange rollout this year. pic.twitter.com/I9QsPSSk3d
— Aaron Zollo (@zollotech) October 28, 2024
there’s a waitlist for apple intelligence
didn’t expect that pic.twitter.com/sTqq3eY2vV
— Sam Sheffer (@samsheffer) October 28, 2024
