iOS 18.1 lets you proofread any text with Apple Intelligence — here's how to use it

Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone iOS 18.1
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Despite testing countless writing tools over the years, the new proofreading feature in Apple Intelligence feels genuinely useful in iOS 18.1. This isn't just another spell-check — it's an AI-powered writing assistant that works across your device, and crucially, keeps your text private. For those wondering how to activate Apple Intelligence, you'll find it seamlessly integrated into your familiar typing experience.

Beyond text, Apple Intelligence opens up new possibilities across iOS — you can use Clean Up, Apple's take on the Magic Eraser, and there's even an updated version of Siri that you can type to. The proofreading feature in Writing Tools feel less like add-ons and more like natural extensions of iOS, working directly on your device to catch errors, suggest improvements, and help you write with confidence.

Whether you're drafting sensitive emails or trying to craft the perfect message, these features work right where you need them, without sending your text to the cloud. Let's dive into how Apple Intelligence can assist you with proofreading.

1. Open any text-based app

(Image: © Future)

Launch any text-based app, including messages and social media. For the purpose of this guide, I'll be showing how the Proofread feature works in Notes.


2. Create or select your note

(Image: © Future)

Either tap the compose button to create a new note, or select an existing note that contains text you want to check.

3. Add or review your text

(Image: © Future)

Type the content you want to proofread into your note, or make sure your existing text is ready for review.

4. Select text for proofreading

(Image: © Future)

Touch and hold the text, tap Select then drag the selection handles to highlight the content you want Apple Intelligence to check. If you want the entire note proofread, tap Select All.

5. Access the proofreading tool

(Image: © Future)

Tap the proofreading icon that appears in the menu below your selected text.

6. Wait for AI analysis

(Image: © Future)

Let Apple Intelligence analyze your text. Once it's finished processing, you'll be able to see how many changes its made, as well as being able to flit between the original and the AI version. You can really see the difference.

7. Review AI suggestions

(Image: © Future)

Look through the suggested improvements that appear, including grammar, spelling, and style recommendations. If you want to retrieve the first draft, click Original and it will show your note without the AI corrections. Happy proofreading!


Now that you've activated Apple Intelligence across your devices, you can start exploring its features. If you're looking to tame your inbox, learn how Apple Intelligence can summarize all your emails. For help with documents and messages, Writing Tools is one of Apple Intelligence's most useful features — here's what it can do. And for less well-known features, check out iOS 18 Notes just got a major overhaul — here's how to use it.

Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

Read more
Apple Intelligence on an iPhone screen
I’ve been using Apple Intelligence for 3 months — here are 5 features I use every day
Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone
Apple Intelligence — everything you need to know about Apple's AI
Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone
iOS 18.3 proves Apple Intelligence is far from finished
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
iOS 18.4 has dropped — 5 new iPhone features to try first
Writing tools in Apple Intelligence on an iPhone 16e
Getting an iPhone 16e? These are the 7 Apple Intelligence features I'd try out first
iOS 18 logo show on iPhone.
11 iOS 18.2 features to try on your iPhone first — that aren't Apple Intelligence
Latest in Phones
The Find my People feature
Android Find My can now track your friends and family — here's how to use it
Foldable iPhone concept image
Are you sitting down? Here’s what the foldable iPhone could cost
Google Pixel 9 Pro in hand
Epic Google sale on Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel Watch and more — 9 deals I’d buy with up to $400 off
A YouTuber holding the leaked Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a just fully leaked in new YouTube video — here's everything it reveals
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
iOS 19's big redesign is tipped to bring a whole new look and unite all of Apple's devices — and pave the way for a foldable iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
Forget iPhone 17 — the iPhone 18 could be the first phone with under-display Face ID
Latest in How To
Ninja Air Fryer
Air fryer dos and don'ts — 7 safety tips for everyday use
The coolest things the Apple Watch can do
7 best Apple Watch features you're probably not using, but should
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
I test ChatGPT for a living — 5 game-changing prompts to try next
Cleaning with a mop in yellow bucket
Your cleaning tools are spreading dirt — here’s how to disinfect them properly
Bouquet of spring flowers, Irises and yellow ranunculus, yellow tulips with white daffodils
Expert florist hack makes your cut daffodils and other flowers last longer
dishwasher cleaning tablet
This viral TikTok cleaning hack just revealed why your dishwasher tablet isn't working — and it makes total sense