Apple has finally stepped into the AI race with Apple Intelligence. The company’s suite of AI features was showcased at WWDC 2024 and some Apple Intelligence features are now available in iOS 18 beta. While Apple has been slow in rolling out AI features, Writing Tools powered by generative AI are available in the iOS 18.1 beta. Apple Intelligence is still in the beta phase, and you’ll have to join the waitlist to get the feature. However, it didn’t take us long to get approved on an Apple Intelligence-supported device.
Enabling Apple Intelligence Writing Tools on Your Devices
To activate the Writing Tools in Apple Intelligence, there’s no separate toggle required! Once Apple Intelligence is turned on from your device's settings, Writing Tools will seamlessly integrate into all text fields across your iPhone, iPad, and macOS. This means you can utilize these tools not only in Apple’s native apps but also in third-party applications including WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Gmail, and others.
Getting started is simple. Just select the text by double-tapping on it, and a popup menu will appear where you can choose the Writing Tools option. This user-friendly design ensures that anyone can utilize these features without hassle.
- For iPhone and iPad users, select the text and tap on ‘>’ next to cut, copy, paste, and format options. Then, simply tap on Writing Tools.
- On Mac, select the text, right-click, and choose Writing Tools from the context menu.
Harnessing the Power of Apple Intelligence Writing Tools
The Writing Tools offered by Apple Intelligence come packed with various functionalities designed to enhance your writing experience. Some of the key options include Proofread, Rewrite, Summary, Key Points, List, and Table. I’ve explored each of these tools to understand their potential and effectiveness.
Eliminate Errors with the Proofreading Tool
The Proofread tool is one of the most valuable features in the suite. It’s specifically designed to highlight typos, grammatical mistakes, and missed punctuation, making it a lifesaver for writers like me who aim for error-free content. This functionality is conveniently integrated into the keyboard, allowing for easy access while typing.
When using the Proofread tool, you can tap on arrows to navigate through suggested changes, which are highlighted directly in your text. If you are satisfied with the recommendations, simply tap on Done, or you can choose to revert to the original text if needed. However, it's important to note that once you accept changes, they cannot be undone unless the app offers an undo option.
Revamp Your Text with the Rewrite Feature
The Rewrite tool allows you to rephrase selected text, offering a choice between a friendly or professional tone. Whether you need to turn a casual message into a formal email or vice versa, this tool caters to both styles effectively.
Despite being in beta, the Rewrite feature performs remarkably well. I managed to transform a casually written note into a polished, corporate-ready email effortlessly. This has quickly become one of my favorite tools within the Apple Intelligence Writing suite.
Streamlining Text with Concise and Summary Features
In today’s fast-paced world, brevity is key! The Concise feature is perfect for trimming down lengthy texts, ideal for social media posts or when you need to adhere to word limits. For instance, I tested it on a 120-word text, and it successfully reduced it to just 70 words without losing the original message.
Additionally, the Summarize and Key Points features allow for quick digestibility of information. The Summarize tool provides a succinct overview of longer texts, while the Key Points feature distills information into bullet points, making it easier to grasp essential details at a glance.
Transforming Data into Tables Effortlessly
If your work involves handling numbers and data, the Table feature will make your life significantly easier. It converts bulleted lists into organized tables quickly, complete with automatically labeled headers. However, this tool is less effective when applied to larger blocks of text, so it’s best suited for simpler datasets.
Limitations and Considerations of Writing Tools
While the Apple Intelligence Writing Tools are incredibly useful, there are limitations. They do not function with controversial text, including profanity and other unacceptable words, as the tools are designed to promote constructive writing.
Overall, the Writing Tools in Apple Intelligence represent a significant advancement in writing assistance on Apple devices. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual writer, these tools can enhance your writing efficiency and quality.
What You Will Learn
- How to easily enable Writing Tools on your Apple devices.
- The functionalities of Proofreading and how it can enhance your writing.
- The advantages of the Rewrite tool for adjusting your writing tone.
- How to use the Concise and Summary features to streamline text.
