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Path: AI on your phoneLesson 1 of 3

The AI that's already on your phone

Find the AI assistant built into your iPhone or Android phone, and learn how to open it.

5 min readLast fact-checked: Oct 3, 2026Sources ↓

The short answer

Many newer phones come with an AI assistant already built in, no app download needed:

  • iPhone: Apple Intelligence (working alongside Siri)
  • Android: Google’s Gemini
  • Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy AI, plus Gemini

Which one you have depends on your phone model and software version. Here’s how to find out, and how to open it.

1Update your phone’s software
2Open Settings and search “AI”
3See what’s available and switched on
4Open the assistant and ask one question
Two minutes to find out what your phone can do.

iPhone: Apple Intelligence

According to Apple, Apple Intelligence works on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, every iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 model (including the 16e, 17e and iPhone Air), and newer models, once you’ve updated to the latest iOS. [4][1] Apple’s website has the full, current list.

  • To check: open Settings and look for Apple Intelligence. If you don’t see it, your iPhone may not support it.
  • Languages: it works in a growing list of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. [1]
  • Older iPhone? You still have Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, for things like reminders and quick questions.

Apple notes that Apple Intelligence doesn’t currently work on supported iPhones bought in mainland China. [1]

Android: Gemini

On many Android phones, Gemini is Google’s built-in AI assistant. If it isn’t there, you can download the Gemini app from the Google Play Store.

Google lists several ways to open it:

  • Press and hold the power button
  • Touch and hold the Home button
  • Swipe up from a bottom corner of the screen
  • Say “Hey Google” (if turned on; not available in every language) [2]

You’ll need to be signed in to a Google account. Google notes Gemini may not be available in every language, country or device. [2]

Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy AI

Many recent Samsung phones and tablets (for example, the Galaxy S, Z and some A series) also have Galaxy AI.

  • To find it: open Settings and search for Galaxy AI. Your phone needs One UI 6.1 or newer. [3]
  • Cost: Samsung says its basic Galaxy AI features are free; some enhanced or third-party features may have different terms or fees. [3]

Samsung phones can use Gemini too, so you may have both.

Watch out

Phone AI features change with every software update, and not every feature is available on every model or in every country. If something in this lesson looks different on your phone, check your phone maker’s support website. To learn which settings protect your privacy, see Phone AI and your privacy.

Try it yourself

iPhone: say “Siri, what can you do?”
Android: press and hold the power button and ask, “What can you help me with?”

You've got this
  • iPhone has Apple Intelligence (newer models) and Siri; Android has Gemini.
  • Samsung adds Galaxy AI; basic features are free.
  • Update your phone, then search Settings for “AI” to see what you have.
Next in this path · Lesson 2Point your camera, get answersKeep going
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Sources

  1. Apple Support — How to get Apple Intelligence— accessed Oct 3, 2026
  2. Google — Gemini Apps Help: Get started with the Gemini mobile app (Android)— accessed Oct 3, 2026
  3. Samsung US Support — How to get Galaxy AI features on your phone or tablet— accessed Oct 3, 2026
  4. Apple — Apple Intelligence (compatible devices)— accessed Oct 3, 2026

What changed

Oct 3, 2026: First published. Updated the list of supported iPhones.