When iOS 18 was released in September, many iPhone users voiced dissatisfaction, especially with changes made to the Photos app.
The update was criticized by some, with iOS 18.1.1 also receiving negative feedback, with one user calling it “the nastiest piece of operating system.” However, there is a particular feature in iOS 18 that some may not be aware of, which, although unchangeable in some areas, can be turned off.
The controversial feature in question is Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI), which is automatically activated in the update.
Apple’s AI, launched last year, is designed as a personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, using generative models combined with personal data to deliver relevant and useful intelligence. It’s deeply integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.

Experts have raised concerns about the AI system’s security risks, as it has access to private data and can interact with apps.
The system can pull information from these apps and perform actions within them. Additionally, the AI has been criticized for providing inaccurate information.
For example, BBC News reported that it incorrectly summarized a story, leading to misinformation. Experts like Chip Hallett, Jonathan Bright, and Petros Iosifidis have highlighted the potential dangers of this technology, noting that it may spread disinformation.
If users wish to disable Apple Intelligence, they can do so by opening the Settings app, selecting Apple Intelligence & Siri, and toggling off Apple Intelligence, confirming the action when prompted.