iOS 18.3 switches on Apple Intelligence without asking — here’s how to turn it off

Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

iOS 18.3 isn’t a particularly exciting update, but there are plenty of changes you may want to be aware of. One of those changes is that, per Apple’s release notes, the update will switch on Apple Intelligence by default. However, you can still switch it off afterwards.

The release notes mention that “Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during iPhone onboarding. Users will have access to Apple Intelligence features after setting up their devices.“ Previously it was an opt-in service, but that’s now changed with CNBC claiming that this is “a step toward a more complete rollout of the feature.”

If you already have Apple Intelligence switched on, then you won’t notice any difference here. But if you don’t want AI on your iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, Apple says you’ll need to go to the settings menu to turn it all off. Here’s how you do that.

1. Open the settings menu

(Image: © Future)

Once you've installed the iOS 18.3 update, find the Settings app and tap it to open.

2. Find Apple Intelligence & Siri

(Image: © Future)

The next step is to find the Apple Intelligence & Siri menu. This can be found towards the bottom of the screen when you open the Settings app, between the Action Button and Camera menus

3. Turn off Apple Intelligence

(Image: © Future)

Right at the top of the Apple Intelligence menu is the toggle to switch off Apple Intelligence in its entirety. You'll need to tap the green toggle, and then confirm to Apple that you want Apple Intelligence switched off — and are content not having access to everything it has to offer.

Once you've confirmed, you'll see that the toggle has turned gray. Should you ever change your mind and decide you want to give Apple intelligence a try, you just need to head back and flip that toggle on again.

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Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

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