Apple released the iOS 18.3 Release Candidate today, revealing that its AI features will be enabled by default while adding new Visual Intelligence capabilities for iPhone 16 users.
Why it matters: Apple’s decision to make AI features opt-out instead of opt-in fundamentally changes how millions of iPhone users will interact with artificial intelligence, while expanding Visual Intelligence capabilities brings new real-world applications to the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button.
Feature Expansion: The iOS 18.3 update significantly enhances Visual Intelligence capabilities on iPhone 16 models, allowing users to interact with their environment in new ways. The system can now analyze everything from concert flyers to plant species, providing instant information and integration with core iPhone apps.
- Calendar event creation from posters
- Real-time plant identification
- Animal breed recognition
AI Integration: Apple’s broader AI strategy becomes clearer with this release, as the company makes Apple Intelligence a core part of the iPhone experience that they hope will rival the best smartphones. The system will now activate automatically during setup on compatible devices, though users can disable it through settings.
- Enabled by default on new installations
- Available on iPhone 15 Pro and newer
- Local processing for privacy protection
Privacy Controls: While embracing AI features, Apple maintains its focus on user privacy:
- Local data processing
- Opt-out options available
- Italicized AI-generated content
Looking Forward: The release candidate suggests iOS 18.3 will launch next week alongside updates for iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro, marking Apple’s most significant AI integration to date.
