An important aspect of Apple Intelligence is that data is processed on the device itself. Most models that the system uses run completely on the Mac, iPhone and iPad itself.
However, it is possible that more complex tasks have to be performed that requires more computing power. In that case, Apple uses Private Cloud Compute (PCC). This technology is expanding the security and privacy measures of Apple products, such as the iPhone, to the cloud.
Support Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence can currently be used via a detour in the EU and can also be used in the EU from macOS 15.1, iOS 18.4, iPados 18.4 and Visionos 2.4 when you change the language of your device and Siri to English vs. All supporting devices and languages ​​can be found here.
Apple Intelligence runs locally
Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system for Mac, iPhone and iPad that combines the power of generative models with the individual context of the user. In order to be really useful, Apple Intelligence uses specific, individual data, while at the same time your privacy is protected.
An important aspect of Apple Intelligence is that data is processed on the device itself. Most models that the system uses therefore run entirely on the Mac, iPhone and iPad itself without the intervention of online servers or outside data.
Private Cloud Compute for complex tasks
However, it is possible that more complex tasks have to be performed that requires more computing power. In that case, Apple uses private cloud compute. The same privacy and security measures are integrated in this cloud facility as in Apple’s devices.
With Private Cloud Compute (PCC), Apple Intelligence can flexibly distribute the calculation capacity and engage larger models on servers for complex assignments. These models run on servers that are powered by Apple Silicon and form a basis with which Apple can ensure that data is never stored or made public. Also, Apple cannot view the data.
The program code that runs on the Apple servers can be checked for privacy by independent experts. And with cryptography, Private Cloud Compute ensures that iPhone, iPad and Mac do not communicate with a server if the software on that server is not made public. All this makes it possible to use the AI ​​features with confidence.
Exception for chatgpt
Apple has integrated chatgpt in Apple Intelligence, which means that users via Siri and Writing Tools (writing aid) Getting access to the power of OpenAi’s GPT-4O model. This integration makes it possible to answer complex questions, generate texts, etc., while privacy is guaranteed because users must explicitly give permission for data sharing and be processed anonymously.
When you use chatgpt within Apple Intelligence, your privacy depends on how to configure integration. If you use Apple Intelligence without a chatgpt account, only your request (after permission) and any attachments (such as documents or photos) will be sent to OpenAi. Your IP address is hidden, and OpenAI may be your data not Save or use to train its models, unless this is required by law.
If you log in with your chatgpt account, your interactions fall under the privacy conditions of OpenAI, which means that your requests and attachments may be stored and used to improve models.