Apple Intelligence in macOS Sequoia & iOS 18.3 Auto-Enabled

When you install macOS Sequoia 15.3, iOS 18.3, or iPadOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will now be turned on by default, according to Apple’s developer release notes for the latest updates. This change marks a shift in how Apple is rolling out its AI-powered features, making them more accessible to users right from the start.
Automatic Activation of Apple Intelligence
For those upgrading to iOS 18.3 or setting up a new iPhone, Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during the initial setup process. Once your device is ready, you’ll have instant access to Apple Intelligence’s suite of features. However, if you’d prefer not to use it, you can easily turn it off. Simply head to the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings section and toggle off the Apple Intelligence option. This will completely disable its features on your device.
In earlier versions—macOS Sequoia 15.1, 15.2, iOS 18.1, and iOS 18.2—Apple Intelligence was an opt-in feature. This meant users had to manually activate it in the Settings app. Moving forward, Apple has made it a default feature, so anyone who doesn’t wish to use it will need to manually disable it.
What’s New in macOS Sequoia 15.3
One of the biggest additions related to Apple Intelligence in macOS Sequoia 15.3 is Genmoji, which is making its debut on Mac. With this feature, Mac users can now create their own custom emoji characters directly on their computers. This brings a fun, personalized twist to how you express yourself digitally.

Additionally, the new updates for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS include enhancements to Notification Summaries. These tweaks are designed to make it clearer when notifications contain AI-generated information, helping users quickly understand the source and context of the messages they receive.
Upcoming Software Rollout
The release candidate versions of macOS Sequoia 15.3, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3 have already been provided to developers and public beta testers. This is usually a strong indicator that the official public release isn’t far away. Based on Apple’s typical schedule, you can expect these updates to become available as early as next week.
With features like automatic Apple Intelligence activation and the introduction of Genmoji on Mac, Apple continues to enhance the user experience across its devices. If you’re eager to explore these updates, make sure to check your device for the new software release soon.