The recent iOS 18.3.1 update has reportedly reactivated previously disabled Apple Intelligence features on some iPhones and Macs. Users who had turned off features like Notification Summaries due to accuracy concerns are finding them re-enabled after the update. This unexpected change appears to be linked to the appearance of a welcome screen post-update.
One Reddit user (u/Hanthunius) reported this issue on their iPhone 15 Pro Max, with other users experiencing similar reactivations on Macs. MacRumors conducted tests to investigate this phenomenon. While their tests showed Apple Intelligence remained disabled on iPadOS and iOS devices, the Mac Mini presented a different outcome. A welcome screen, which typically offers a “set up later” option, appeared on the Mac Mini, forcing users to enable Apple Intelligence to proceed.
Close up of Apple Intelligence Notification Summary on iPhone 16 Pro
This forced re-activation presents several issues beyond simply being inconvenient. Apple Intelligence requires approximately 7GB of storage per device. Users who disabled the feature to conserve space for frequently used apps now face potential storage constraints.
The introduction of iOS 18.3 made Apple Intelligence an opt-out feature, meaning it’s enabled by default on compatible devices. Users must manually disable it if they prefer not to use it.
If you previously disabled Apple Intelligence, it’s recommended to check your settings to ensure they haven’t been altered by the update. While this bug appears sporadic, it’s worth verifying, especially if you encountered a welcome screen after updating to the latest iOS version or on your Mac.
