Quick Links Google Google Photos Grammarly ARTA
If your iPhone isn't compatible with Apple Intelligence, you may feel like you're missing out on the most exciting part of iOS 18. I felt the same way initially, but these apps helped me get similar features on my older iPhone.
1 Google
One of the most exciting Apple Intelligence features is undeniably Visual Intelligence. This feature allows users to point their camera at an object or location. It then uses on-device intelligence to recognize what it's looking at and provide relevant details. Since Visual Intelligence relies on the Camera Control button, it is only available on the iPhone 16 series.
If this feature sounds familiar, that's because Android had a similar feature first. Samsung's Galaxy S24 series debuted Circle to Search, which lets users search for anything on their screen by circling or tapping it after pressing the Home button. Additionally, Google Lens has been around even longer, and while it may seem ironic, it's the best alternative to Visual Intelligence if you don't have an iPhone 16.
You can use Google Lens on an iPhone by downloading the Google app. Once installed, tap the camera icon in the search bar and grant the app permission to access your device's camera. Then, tap the Continue button.
You'll see three options at the bottom: Translate, Search, and Homework. Tap Search, then point your camera at something you'd like to identify and tap the shutter icon. For example, I pointed it at a Starbucks tumbler, and within seconds, it displayed relevant matches.
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You can also tap Add to search at the top to ask about the image. For instance, I typed "price in USD," and an AI overview answering my query appeared. Since Visual Intelligence uses Google as its default search engine, you'll likely get the same results with either Google Lens or Visual Intelligence.
The major difference is that Visual Intelligence is integrated with ChatGPT, while Google Lens isn't. Nonetheless, the core of both features is essentially the same.
Download: Google (Free, in-app purchases available)
2 Google Photos
After an hour-long photoshoot, there's nothing more disappointing than realizing the only shot you like is ruined by a trash can in the background. While Apple's new Clean Up tool allows you to remove unwanted objects from an image, you don't need the latest iPhone to achieve similar results. Instead, you can use the Magic Eraser feature in the Google Photos app.
Using the Magic Eraser tool in Google Photos is extremely straightforward. All you need to do is launch the app, locate the image you want to edit, and select Edit from the menu bar. Next, select Tool > Magic eraser > Erase. Google Photos may automatically suggest objects to remove, but you can also manually draw over distractions to erase them. Once done, tap Done and let the tool work its magic.
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The best part? I tested Apple's Clean Up tool and Google Photos' Magic Eraser side by side, and both delivered identical results! Unfortunately, you're limited to 10 Magic Eraser saves per month if you aren't subscribed to a Premium Google One plan with 2 TB or more.
Download: Google Photos (Free, in-app purchases available)
3 Grammarly
Another feature introduced with Apple Intelligence is Writing Tools, which allows you to proofread and rewrite your text while adjusting its tone. In addition to refining your written content, the feature can also compose text from scratch using ChatGPT.
You can summarize long chunks of text with just a few taps and organize your writing into bullet points. While you could do all of this by visiting ChatGPT's site, what makes Writing Tools truly stand out is that it works almost everywhere you write, including in third-party apps and websites.
If you're looking to replicate this experience, your best bet is to install Grammarly on your phone. To get started, launch the Grammarly app, then either create an account or sign in. Next, tap Add Grammarly Keyboard. You'll be redirected to the Settings app.
Here, tap Keyboards and toggle on the switch next to Grammarly. For the best experience, I recommend granting Grammarly Full Access, which enables real-time grammar and punctuation suggestions for the ultimate Apple Intelligence-like experience. To do so, toggle on Allow Full Access on the same page and tap Allow when the prompt appears.
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To begin using the keyboard, open your iPhone's keyboard, long-press the globe icon in the bottom left corner, and select Grammarly. While typing, you'll notice a Grammarly icon on the keyboard, which will be replaced with a number indicating spelling or grammar mistakes (if any). Tap the icon to view suggestions, and you can choose to Accept or Dismiss them.
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You can also highlight text and tap the Improve It button that appears at the top of the keyboard. You can then select one of three different tones: Casual, Neutral, or Formal.
You'll also see options like Turn bullets to prose, Shorten it, Draft an outline, Make it persuasive, Make it friendly, Simplify it, and more. Once you choose an option, tap Generate text, and watch Grammarly's AI work its magic!
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All in all, Grammarly offers nearly all the tools that Writing Tools provides, and even more!
Download: Grammarly (Free, subscription available)
4 ARTA
While most of the AI features mentioned above cater to everyday usage, Apple Intelligence also includes some fun tools like Genmoji and Image Playground. Genmoji allows you to create custom emojis, while Image Playground uses AI to generate cartoon-like images and illustrations based on concepts, descriptions, photos, or even images of people. This is Apple's take on AI image generation, though they're far from the first to explore this space.
If you're looking to play around with AI image generation without buying a new iPhone, AI ARTA, developed by AIBY, can help. It offers many of the same capabilities as Image Playground, such as generating images from descriptions, refining sketches, and turning images into AI avatars.
Once you've downloaded the app, head to the Generate tab, tap the textbox labeled Enter Your Prompt and enter a description. If you're stuck, tap the dice icon next to the textbox, and the app will generate a random prompt, such as "Side view, old photograph of a hamster behind bars, dressed in a poorly tailored prisoner's suit, a prisoner's cap, sepia, grainy."
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You can also change the image style by tapping Style. You can select from several options like Photolike, Anime, Graphic Novel, Illustration, and Digital Art. In comparison, Image Playground currently offers just two styles: Animation and Illustration, so ARTA gives you more variety.
Unfortunately, to get free image generations, you'll need to watch up to 5 ads per day or subscribe to the app's premium model. Nonetheless, it's still a great way to experience a feature similar to Image Playground!
Download: ARTA (Free, subscription available)
Although it's unfortunate that Apple didn't extend Apple Intelligence to more models, the apps listed above will certainly provide a similar experience!