The upcoming iOS 18.3 software update is making waves in the Apple community. Reports indicate Apple Store employees are prepping for the launch, suggesting a near-future release. While not a major overhaul like the iOS 18.2 update that introduced Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.3 brings a significant change: Apple Intelligence will be enabled by default.
This means users will have to manually opt-out of Apple’s AI assistant if they prefer not to use it. As outlined in Apple’s developer notes, Apple Intelligence will automatically activate during the iPhone onboarding process for new users and those upgrading to iOS 18.3. This applies to all Apple Intelligence-compatible devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro. While disabling the feature is a simple process within the Settings panel, this default activation underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating AI into its ecosystem.
Beyond Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.3 addresses various issues and introduces new features. Fixes have been implemented for Genmoji and Writing Tools, enhancing user experience. Visual Intelligence also receives upgrades, particularly noticeable on the iPhone 16 series with its dedicated Camera Control button. These enhancements empower Visual Intelligence to add calendar events directly from posters or flyers and identify plants and animals in real-time. These functionalities, previously showcased in Apple keynotes, arrive at a strategic moment, coinciding with Samsung’s own AI advancements and its collaboration with Google on the Galaxy S25 series.
iOS 18.3 also revises the Notification Summaries feature, which previously faced criticism for inaccuracies. After temporarily withdrawing the feature, Apple reintroduces it with a new visual cue: italicized summaries. This indicates that Apple Intelligence has generated a summarized version of the notification content, rather than verbatim headlines. This distinction allows users to differentiate between AI-generated summaries and original content.
The iOS 18.3 update, while seemingly minor, signifies Apple’s ongoing focus on integrating AI across its devices. The default activation of Apple Intelligence, coupled with enhancements to existing features, underscores Apple’s strategic push towards a more AI-driven user experience. The update also highlights Apple’s responsiveness to user feedback with the revised Notification Summaries.
