"Is Apple Intelligence good for writing on iPhone?"

"Apple Intelligence includes Writing Tools that can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text in supported apps — and it is built into iPhone 16 and later at no extra cost. However, it only works in specific Apple apps and some third-party apps that have integrated it. Omera works as a keyboard across every app, including ones Apple Intelligence does not reach."

"What is the difference between Omera and Apple Intelligence for writing?"

"Apple Intelligence Writing Tools work in specific apps (Notes, Mail, Pages, and some third-party apps that have added support). Omera is a keyboard replacement that works in every app where you can type — iMessage, WhatsApp, Gmail, Slack, and anything else. Omera also includes instant translation and on-demand tone control, which Apple Intelligence Writing Tools do not offer as keyboard-level features."

"Do I need an iPhone 16 for AI writing features?"

"Apple Intelligence requires iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, or later — and iOS 18.1 or higher. Omera works on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later, making its AI writing features available on a much wider range of devices."

Omera vs Apple Intelligence: Which Is Better for Writing on iPhone?

May 27, 2026

Apple Intelligence arrived with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16, bringing AI writing tools directly into the operating system. It is a meaningful addition — but it has limitations that are worth understanding before you rely on it for professional writing.

Omera is an AI keyboard that works across every iPhone, in every app. Here is how the two compare.

What Apple Intelligence Writing Tools Do

Apple Intelligence includes a suite of Writing Tools accessible from the text selection menu in supported apps. The core features are:

Proofread — flags grammar, word choice, and punctuation issues
Rewrite — rephrases your text (with options for Friendly, Professional, and Concise)
Summarise — condenses longer text to bullet points or a paragraph

These work in Apple’s own apps — Notes, Mail, Pages, Freeform — and in third-party apps that have explicitly integrated Apple Intelligence support.

The Limitations of Apple Intelligence for Writing

It only works in certain apps. Apple Intelligence Writing Tools do not appear in WhatsApp, Telegram, most third-party email clients, or messaging apps that have not integrated the API. If you write a lot in these apps, Apple Intelligence cannot help you there.

It requires specific hardware. Apple Intelligence requires iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 (and later), running iOS 18.1 or higher. Older devices do not get these features regardless of iOS version.

It does not translate. Apple Intelligence Writing Tools do not offer inline translation as a writing feature. For translation, you still need to use the Translate app or a third-party keyboard.

It does not work as a keyboard. To use Writing Tools, you select text, tap the menu, and choose an option. It is a post-writing review step, not a keyboard-level tool.

What Omera Does

Omera replaces the default iPhone keyboard. It works in every app that accepts text — WhatsApp, Gmail, iMessage, Slack, Notion, and anything else — regardless of whether that app has implemented any AI API.

Write normally. Tap the AI key. In seconds:

Grammar errors are corrected (including wrong word choices and verb agreement errors that standard spell-check misses)
Tone is adjusted to match the register you choose — formal, casual, or professional
Phrasing is sharpened for clarity
Translation is available if you need to write in another language

This happens without leaving the app, without selecting text separately, and without any app needing to support a specific API.

Omera also works on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later — not just iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Omera	Apple Intelligence Writing Tools
Works in every app	Yes — as a keyboard	No — supported apps only
Grammar correction	Yes	Yes (Proofread)
Tone rewriting	Yes — on demand	Yes (Friendly / Professional / Concise)
Instant translation	Yes	No
Works without selecting text	Yes — single tap	No — requires text selection
Requires iPhone 15 Pro / 16+	No — works on iPhone from iOS 16	Yes
Price	Free with premium tier	Free (built in to iOS)

Which One Should You Use?

If you write mostly in Apple apps (Notes, Mail, Pages) and have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16: Apple Intelligence Writing Tools are built in and cost nothing extra. Use them.

If you write in WhatsApp, Gmail, Slack, or any app outside Apple’s ecosystem: Apple Intelligence cannot help you there. Omera can — and it works with the same single-tap flow in every app.

If you have an older iPhone (iPhone 15 or earlier, non-Pro): Apple Intelligence is not available. Omera works on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later.

If you write in multiple languages or need translation: Omera includes instant translation; Apple Intelligence Writing Tools do not.

For most people who communicate professionally on iPhone across multiple apps, the practical answer is: both. Use Apple Intelligence in Notes and Mail where it is built in. Use Omera everywhere else.

Download Omera free on the App Store and use it in every app Apple Intelligence cannot reach.