Apple Intelligence isn't available or isn't showing on your Mac

Why it happens

Apple Intelligence runs on your Mac itself, so it needs an Apple silicon chip, M1 or later. It also only appears when the Mac's main language and Siri's language match and both are supported. Your region, free storage space and any Screen Time or work restrictions can hide it too.

How to fix it

1. Check your chip first. Open System Settings, click General, then About, and look at the Chip line. Apple M1 or later is fine. If you see a Processor line with Intel, Apple Intelligence isn't available on this Mac.

   General›About

2. Install any waiting update in General > Software Update. Apple Intelligence improves and adds languages with updates.

   General›Software Update

3. Set your Mac's language. In General > Language & Region, put a supported language, such as English, at the top of Preferred Languages. Restart if asked.

   General›Language & Region›Preferred Languages

4. Now match Siri to it. Open the Siri settings and choose the same language and variety from the Language pop-up, for example English (United States) for both.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Apple Intelligence & Siri›Language

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Siri›Language

5. Turn it on. On macOS 26, switch on Apple Intelligence in Apple Intelligence & Siri. On macOS 27, open Siri, click Turn On Siri if it's off, then click Try Siri AI (Beta). Keep the Mac plugged in and online while it downloads.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Apple Intelligence & Siri›Apple Intelligence

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Siri›Try Siri AI (Beta)

On macOS 26 the settings are under Apple Intelligence & Siri, with an Apple Intelligence switch. On macOS 27 that pane is called Siri: the Language pop-up is there, and you click Try Siri AI (Beta) instead of a switch. It's a beta on 27 that needs English for both the Mac and Siri, and you may join a waitlist before it downloads.

Still not fixed?

1. Free up space. The models need several gigabytes, up to about 14 GB on some Macs, so check General > Storage and clear room if it's tight.

   General›Storage

2. If the option is greyed out or says it's restricted, open Screen Time > Content & Privacy and turn the features back on in the Siri section (Intelligence & Siri on macOS 26). On a work or school Mac, ask the person who manages it, since they can switch it off for you.

   Screen Time›Content & Privacy

3. Apple Intelligence isn't offered in every country or region. If you're in a place where it isn't available, it won't appear even on a supported Mac with the right language.

4. If you're on the waitlist on macOS 27, leave the Mac on and connected. It downloads by itself when your turn comes.

5. If your Mac has an M1 or later chip, matching supported languages, enough space and no restrictions, and it still won't appear after a day, contact Apple Support.