Special iPhone owners unlock huge AI upgrade with super-smart Siri early – check how you can get it too

A NUMBER of special iPhone owners are able to unlock a huge AI upgrade early as Apple rolls out its latest features.

Users can access some of the most anticipated elements of the programme, dubbed Apple Intelligence, despite the iPhone 16 launching without it.

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A selection of extras will be available through the iOS 18.1 update, which is currently in its beta phase.

The exact lineup is not confirmed, but users can reportedly expect a smarter Siri system as well as AI-assisted spellcheck, AI summaries of text and photo Clean Up.

However, before fans get too excited, it's worth noting that simply installing the update when it is fully released won't bring these new features.

Instead, you need to sign up to Apple's Beta Software Program online before "enrolling" your device in the settings menu to access them.

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Make sure to back up your data before installing it too, as beta programs are often less stable than the versions that make it through to public release.

The AI features can also be activated on iPad with the iOS 18.0 beta or Mac with the Sequoia 15.1 beta.

Another stumbling block is that the beta is only available in the US for now and cannot be accessed in two of Apple's largest markets - Europe and China.

This is down different, some would say stricter, AI regulations in the EU and China compared to North America.

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The news comes ahead of the full release of four massive new iPhone models in the form of the 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

SunTech's assistant editor Jamie Harris gave fans a full rundown of all the new goodies to expect after a dramatic launch event earlier this month.

Highlights include new camera buttons, a "huge leap" on battery life and even a create-your-own emoji feature.

At the same unveiling, Apple also announced three new AirPods, including a set with a long-awaited USB-C port, and two new generations of the Apple Watch.

However, we also revealed the costliest mistake you can make with the new phone and how avoiding it can save you hundreds.

Elsewhere, many iPhone users were urged to stop using their portable power banks amid a major recall over a "fire risk".