The possibilities of Apple Intelligence are great, but are really only available to users in the United States. Apple Intelligence will first be available in English (US), with other languages to be added next year. If desired, you can test Apple Intelligence in English outside the US, but in principle this is not possible in the EU.
Due to the Digital Markets Act, Apple has decided to block Apple Intelligence in the EU. Via a roundabout way, it is still possible to test Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad and Mac, also in the European Union. You will have to take the necessary actions for this, which will significantly change the use of your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Apple Intelligence in beta
At the time of writing, Apple Intelligence is still very much in beta and has not yet been officially released. Apple’s generative artificial intelligence will be available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in English (US) starting with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1.
Later this year this will be expanded to other English variants and next year to other languages. Due to European legislation, Apple has decided not to allow AI in the EU for the time being, but there is a way around it that you can still install it.
Testing Apple Intelligence in the EU
Before you can get started, you need to make some adjustments and have an American Apple Account and a VPN service. Here’s what you need:
- Device that supports Apple Intelligence
- Latest beta of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 or macOS Sequoia 15.1
- American Apple Account
- VPN service
- Adjust settings
Devices and beta
You can check which devices support AI in our Apple Intelligence FAQ. For iPhone, this is the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) and all iPhone 16 models. Make sure you have the latest beta of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1 installed.
American Apple Account
Anyone who wants to use Apple Intelligence must currently also have an American Apple Account. Fortunately, this is now possible again without a credit card or American telephone number. In the highlighted article below, we explain how you can create a new foreign Apple account.
VPN service
To use or not to use a VPN service to use Apple Intelligence? We hear mixed stories. Some users can test Apple Intelligence without a VPN, others cannot. Make sure you have a VPN service at hand in case you need it. You can use NordVPN or ClearVPN, among others.
Adjust settings
Once the latest beta software is installed on a supporting device, you can try to enable Apple Intelligence. To do this, you will need to adjust the following settings.
- Go to (System)Settings ▸ General ▸ Language & Region. Tap or click ‘Add language’ (plus button) and choose ‘English (US)’. Remove Nederlands or at least put English US at the top.
- Open Settings again ▸ Tap on your name ▸ Media & Purchases ▸ log in with your US Apple ID
Activate Apple Intelligence
Once you have completed the steps above, you can try to activate Apple Intelligence. If necessary, enable VPN and choose an American location so that it appears as if you are in the US. Then log in using the steps below.
- Open Settings
- Go to Apple Intelligence & Siri
- Wait a few moments and select ‘Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist’
Over time, your invitation will (hopefully) be approved and you will then be able to enable Apple Intelligence using the same steps. You can then try out the new features. You may need to keep your VPN active while using these AI features.
It’s good to know that not all Apple Intelligence features and capabilities are available yet. For example, you can use Writing Tools and Priority Notifications, but Genmoji and Image Playground are still waiting.
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