Forget Siri: Apple Intelligence's true potential on iPad and Mac lies in third-party apps

Apple is gradually rolling out its artificial intelligence features across its device lineup under the banner of Apple Intelligence. While the pace has been slow, especially for iPads, with the latest base model iPad missing out on these AI enhancements, Apple is also emphasizing its commitment to integrating Apple Intelligence with third-party applications.

Some of these third-party integrations have been in place since Apple Intelligence was first introduced, while others are just beginning to show their full potential.

Currently, Apple Intelligence offers basic, yet useful features like Writing Tools for text generation and summarization, along with other AI tools for creating art. Although these features are set to expand in future updates, they are already enhancing third-party apps, making the available Apple Intelligence tools even more powerful.

For instance, you can use Image Playground, Apple's tool for generating art, to create images directly within a Final Cut Pro project. These images can then be added to the timeline to help you craft a shot list or an AI-generated storyboard. This functionality is available on iPads, MacBooks, and Macs that support Apple Intelligence.

On iPads, you can leverage your Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro to incorporate live drawings and sketches into third-party apps. This also enhances your note-taking experience. For example, the Notability app for iPad integrates Apple Intelligence, allowing you to use text and image generation features within your notes, whether you're using an Apple Pencil or not.

Similarly, the Bear notes app supports Apple Intelligence features almost as seamlessly as the Apple Notes app, with a few differences. Within Bear, you can select text, create tables of key points and summaries, and use Image Playground to generate images that make your content more digestible.

Morpholio Trace, a design app for creative professionals, also benefits from AI-powered integrations and the neural engine required for Apple Intelligence. Running on an iPad Air with an M3 processor, you can easily remove backgrounds from images with just a few taps and enjoy real-time rendering of complex graphics.

The new MacBook Air with the M4 chip, iPad Air with the M3 chip, Mac Studio with the M4 Max chip, and M3 Ultra all support advanced graphics architectures. These devices are also ideal for testing the capabilities of the neural engine with Apple Intelligence.

These tools are now more accessible on midrange and high-end Apple devices, making it easier for students, small business owners, creators, and independent contractors to utilize AI on-device while keeping their data secure on Apple servers.

While Apple has already rolled out many of its promised AI features, we're eagerly awaiting the iOS 18.5 update to see what truly sets Apple Intelligence apart. The 18.5 update is still a few months away from its general release, with the iOS 18.4 update currently in beta testing.

iOS 18.5 is expected to introduce the more exciting Siri updates that Apple highlighted at its last WWDC event. This update will allow you to use Siri's much-anticipated on-screen awareness, integrate with various native and third-party apps, and enjoy a more natural, conversational style that keeps track of your preferences.