This could be the reason you’re stuck on the Apple Intelligence waiting list
- After installing iOS 18.1, you will need to join a waiting list
- The delay may be due to Apple Private Cloud Compute
- Most users don’t have to wait long
If you’re an iPhone owner eager to get started with Apple Intelligence after the launch of iOS 18.1, you might be disappointed to discover that there’s a waiting list to access the new AI features – and now we might have a better idea why that is the case.
As noted by known tipster ShrimpApplePro and Apple vlogger Brandon Butcha message Reddit from a non-Apple server engineer suggests the delay is due to people registering on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute (PCC) platform.
That’s the server or cloud side of Apple Intelligence: it’s designed to handle AI requests that can’t be managed on the device, while still maintaining user privacy, so your prompts are protected from unauthorized access (even Apple can don’t see them).
According to the Reddit post, the process of granting users access to this gated server room will need to be staggered – possibly to accommodate the advanced authentication methods it uses. You can read more in Apple’s official PCC documentation.
How to get started
For those still wondering, “why is there a waiting list for Apple Intelligence?” Here’s some great insight from a server engineer: “The real reason is almost certainly that you’re signing up for Private Cloud Compute. That’s the server side of Apple Intelligence. Some of your requests are being handled… pic.twitter.com/EDItCS90QaOctober 29, 2024
While we cannot verify that this information is accurate, it is an educated guess that makes sense. Apple Intelligence doesn’t just place demands on your gadgets; it also puts a strain on Apple’s cloud resources.
You can now access the first set of Apple Intelligence features if you downloaded iOS 18.1 to an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or other iPhone 16 model and your device is set to US English. Go to Settings and then tap Apple Intelligence & SiriAnd Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
According to 9to5GoogleSome of the delay may also be due to the beta status of Apple Intelligence, where Apple wants to minimize the risk of misleading or offensive responses. There’s also quite a significant data download to take into account.
The good news is that most people only seem to be on the waiting list for a few hours or even a few minutes (if you want to skip the line, we can help you with that too). So you shouldn’t see too much of a slowdown – and there are even more Apple Intelligence features coming with iOS 18.2.