Meta has blocked Apple Intelligence features within its iOS apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Threads, limiting users’ access to AI-powered tools and features.
Apple Intelligence was announced alongside iOS 18 and made available with the release of iOS 18.1 last October. Although most apps support Apple Intelligence features by default, developers can choose to opt out, and Meta has decided to do so. As a result, features such as Writing Tools, which allow users to create, modify, and proofread text using Apple Intelligence, are no longer available in Meta’s iOS apps. Typically, iPhone and iPad users can access Writing Tools by tapping on a text field, but in Meta’s apps, this option is not available.
Moreover, Meta’s iOS apps do not allow users to create and share Genmoji, Apple’s custom emoji generated by AI. The ability to add keyboard stickers and Memoji to Instagram Stories has also been removed. These features were previously available but have been disabled by Meta.
Meta has not publicly explained its decision to block Apple Intelligence features in its iOS apps. However, it is likely that the company wants to promote the use of its own AI, Meta AI, which offers similar features such as text creation, modification, and image generation. Meta AI is available in most of Meta’s apps and provides users with alternative AI-powered tools.
The move by Meta comes amid a backdrop of discussions between Apple and Meta regarding a potential partnership to integrate Meta’s Llama AI language model into Apple Intelligence. However, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the deal was scrapped due to disagreements over privacy policies. Additionally, Apple and Meta frequently clash over App Store guidelines, further straining their relationship.
The decision by Meta to block Apple Intelligence features in its iOS apps means that iOS users cannot take advantage of these features in some of the world’s most popular apps. While Meta’s move may be seen as a strategic decision to promote its own AI offerings, it ultimately limits the functionality and user experience within its iOS apps.
