New amazing Writing Tools in iOS 18 with the introduction of Apple Intelligence

Posted by Craig Mill on the 8th January, 2025

Category Dyslexia iPads, Androids & Chromebooks

Apple recently released its version of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for iOS 18 (iPhones) and iPadOS 18 (iPads), but what is it, how can you get it, and what support does it offer to learners with literacy difficulties?

Back in 2012 when we wrote our popular book, iPads for Communication Access Literacy and Learning, (only 2 years after the iPad was first released) we never imagined how the iPad's technology would evolve into its current form.

Although the pedagogical approaches and methods in 'iPads for Communication Access Literacy and Learning' are still relevant, the technology has changed massively. 

CALL are no strangers to using artifical intelligence to support neurodiverse learners; see our archived webinar from May 2024 , our archived 1 hour workshop and the Magic of AI Powered Tools article.

Yet despite having some experience of AI, I was amazed when I first tried out the new Apple Intelligence & Siri on my iPad.

The possibilities for learners with reading and writing difficulties are potentially endless! 

Please note the Apple licence agreement states that users must be at least 13 years of age to use AI! 

Check to see if your device is compatible with Apple Intelligence.

What are the new Writing Tools?

The Apple Intelligence writing tools are similar to 'generative AI' features found in Windows CoPilot and Google Gemini, and ChatGPT - Apple Intelligence requires the ChatGPT extension/add-in for it to work in iOS18;

• summarise text,
• rewrite,
• proofread,
• compose new text/content from prompts; 'who were the Celts in Scotland?', 'please explain the process of the cell cycle' etc.

Once text/content has been generated, either by typing or asking Siri, you can ask Apple Intelligence to highlight the key points, summarise or format the the text into a bulleted list, thereby breaking down large content into small manageable chunks -  repeatedly if required, and in various styles such as 'friendly', 'professional' or 'concise'. 

There is also an option to ask Apple Intelligence to choose how you want the text to be generated or written 'Describe your change' e.g., "please explain in simple steps the process..." - "please break it down even more" etc. 

How do I find and turn on Apple Intelligence?

To turn on Apple Intelligence go to 'Settings', and tap 'Apple Intelligence' on the left side of the Settings window. 

It may take up to 5 minutes to download. 

You will also need to install the ChatGPT extension. 

Once everything is turned on and installed, you're ready to go!

Where do I find the Writing Tools?

The new Writing Tools can be found in a range of apps, including 3rd party apps such as Microsoft Word. The illustration below describes where to find it in the Notes App. 

Open the Notes app and look for the Apple Intelligence icon, located at the very top of the page. 

At this point you can use an existing document to experiment with or create a new one with the ChatGPT extension.  Tapping or clicking the Apple Intelligence icon activates the Writing Tools window. 

Using 'Compose' I asked ChatGPT to generate a document on the 'Celts in Scotland'.

If you are unhappy with the first creation, simply ask Compose to 'Refine', 'Rewrite' or add more information. 

Or alternatively, use 'Key Points' to simplify the article.

If you use Writing Tools with existing text it appears at the start of a pop-up menu, 'Writing Tools'.

Remember, you can also listen to the text spoken aloud by selecting some text and choosing 'Speak' from the pop-up menu. 

Writing Tools are also available from the top of the iPad's on-screen keyboard. 

It is also possible to edit or personalise the generated text (by using a keyboard or Siri) that can be used as a starting point for getting ideas down.  

Image Playground for generating emojis and images

In addition to the Writing Tools, Apple also released a new app (which comes as part of the iOS18 update) called Image Playground. 

With Image Playground it is possible to easily create fun and unique images and/or emojis, with costumes, accessories, and places. You can add your own text descriptions, and can even create images in the likeness of a family member or friend using photos from their photo library. 

In the example below I asked Image Playground to create two images (from within the Notes app), too make the article more engaging and memorable and relative to the topic. 

Summary

I thought it would be interesting to use AI to summarise this article. Below is an extract from Google Gemini highlighting the potential benefits of Apple Intelligence to support learners with literacy difficulties. 

Improved Comprehension: summarising and key point highlighting can make complex information more accessible.  

Enhanced Writing Skills: AI assistance can help with grammar, spelling, and text generation.  

Increased Independence: Tools can empower learners to create and modify content more effectively.  

Motivation: AI can make writing tasks less daunting and more engaging.

Technology to Support ASN in Education - our 10-week course is starting on February 2025.