By Shantini Mogan
28 JANUARY: Apple officially released iOS 18.3 today, following weeks of developer and public beta testing. iPhone users with compatible devices can now install the update over the air. While this version emphasizes internal improvements over flashy new features, it also introduces two significant enhancements to Apple Intelligence, which are enabled by default.
In addition to iOS 18.3, Apple has rolled out updates for other devices, including watchOS 11.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, and iPadOS 18.3. Updates are also available for Apple TV 4K, HomePod, HomePod mini, and the Apple Vision Pro. These updates focus on refining device performance and expanding functionality.
The most notable change in this update is that Apple Intelligence now comes pre-enabled. Features like ChatGPT integration with Siri, Image Playground, custom emojis, writing tools, and notification summaries are activated by default. Users who prefer not to use these features will need to manually disable them in the Settings menu.
This default activation may not sit well with all users, especially those who prefer more control over their device settings or are concerned about AI integration. Nevertheless, the update represents Apple’s ongoing push to enhance user experience through smarter, AI-driven tools.
