Apple Intelligence's first-wave features, released Thursday, offer only modest improvements that left me excited for the future, but also impatient for it. Why it matters: AI features are shaping up as a key differentiator in choosing a smartphone or computer,

Starting Thursday, those who are enrolled in Apple’s public beta program will be able to experience the generative AI-fueled platform the company has been talking up since June.

Here's what Apple Intelligence is, what tools exist (and when they'll arrive) — and a look at the history of AI at Apple.