Siri and Apple Intelligence lessons: workflows, costs, mistakes, prompts
Reference lessons to use after the step-by-step tutorial.
Prompt library
Siri, summarize my unread emails from today.Siri, what did Alex say about Saturday’s plans?Writing Tools: make this friendlier and shorter.Mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ineligible device | Check the device list first |
| Language mismatch | Match device and Siri language |
| Trusting summaries | Open the original |
Use-case playbooks
Proofread and send
- Select text.
- Writing Tools > Proofread.
- Review changes before sending.
Catch up on messages
- Ask Siri for a summary.
- Open anything important.
- Reply yourself.
Shortcut
- Build a shortcut.
- Add an AI action.
- Test it once.
Troubleshooting
I don’t see Apple Intelligence.
Check device eligibility, update to version 27, free 8–14 GB and match device/Siri languages.
Is it available in China?
Apple says it isn’t available in China mainland.
The answer cites a page that doesn't say that.
Treat the claim as unverified. Ask it to quote the exact sentence from that page, or say it isn't there. Then open the page yourself.
It forgot my earlier instructions.
Long sessions push early text out of context. Put standing instructions where Siri and Apple Intelligence keeps them (Turn on only the features you use, and set Siri’s language to match your device language.) and start fresh.
It agrees with everything I say.
Ask it to argue the other side and list the strongest evidence against your view, with sources.
Cost control
Apple Intelligence is included with eligible devices. Server-based features such as Siri AI have daily limits, and Apple says a paid tier will come later (Apple Support 121115). No price was announced on the page we checked.
Server features like Siri AI have daily limits; a paid tier is planned (Apple Support).
- Test with the free tier (if there is one) on real tasks for a week first.
- Set a calendar reminder 2 days before any renewal.
- Keep one paid tool per job, not three, unless each earns its place.
Prompt library: bad vs good
Bad: help me
Good: Select an email draft, open Writing Tools, and choose Proofread. Then ask Siri: “Summarize my unread messages from today.”
Why: situation, task, format and limits.
Bad: research this
Good: Find the 5 most relevant official sources from the last 12 months on [topic]. For each: title, date, link, and one sentence it actually says.
Why: asks for dated, quotable, checkable sources.
Bad: make it better
Good: Rewrite this for a busy customer: max 100 words, one ask, no jargon. Then list what you cut.
Why: a reader, a length and an audit of changes.
Bad: should I do X?
Good: List the 3 strongest reasons for and against X for someone in [situation]. Mark which reasons depend on facts I should check.
Why: balanced, and separates facts from judgement.
Privacy and safety
- Don't paste passwords, ID numbers, card numbers or other people's private details.
- Assume the company can read and keep your chats unless its official policy says otherwise.
- For health, money or legal decisions, confirm with a professional or an official source.
- Apple processes many requests on-device; server features use Apple’s systems. Read Apple’s privacy details in Settings.
- Check summaries of messages and notifications before acting on them.
Failure modes to watch
- Summaries that miss or flip the meaning of a message.
- Siri AI (beta) misunderstanding complex requests.
- Features missing in some languages or regions.
When to use it vs other bots
| Use Siri and Apple Intelligence for | Consider another bot when |
|---|---|
|
See: ChatGPT · Claude · Gemini · Perplexity · Copilot · comparison |
Leveled tutorials
Where these facts come from
- Apple Support (published Oct 22, 2026): requirements (27 releases), eligible devices, 8–14 GB storage, language match, supported languages, not in China mainland, server features with daily limits, paid tier later
- Apple Support: Siri AI in beta
Checked Oct 30, 2026. Plans change, so confirm on the official page before you pay.