The wait for Apple Intelligence is almost over with the news that iOS 18.1 will be available on compatible iPhones within the next week. This is the first time that Apple's AI tools will be available out of beta, but some may be shocked to learn that these features will not be available immediately.

As 9to5Mac noted, Apple Intelligence will almost certainly have a waiting list, just as the beta did. But whereas the beta's waiting list was fairly short, with AI features unlocked in a matter of hours at most, the public version could be an entirely different story. Thankfully, there may be a way to skip that queue.

According to 9to5Mac, you can install the iOS 18.1 release candidate beta right now. Once installed, anyone with a compatible iPhone can join the Apple Intelligence waiting list without having to wait until next week. Currently, compatibility is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, plus all four iPhone 16 models.

After installing the RC Beta, go to the “Settings” menu and tap the “Apple Intelligence & Siri” option. This allows you to sign up for the waiting list, and means you can get a start before everyone else. And since the Release Candidate version is almost identical to the public version that will be released next week, you should be able to experience Apple Intelligence without having the same problems that prior beta testers had to endure.

However, this is not to say that the experience will be entirely bug-free. Beta software is still beta software, no matter when you install it. iOS18.1 public beta downloads can be found in the full How to Sign Up for the Beta Program and Get Early Access to Apple Intelligence See instructions.

The iOS 18.1 RC Beta is available in the Public and Developer Beta programs, but you will sign up for the iOS 18 Beta first. This means you will be in line to get the next version of the beta, including the upcoming iOS 18.2 beta. This means that you will be able to try out more of the Apple Intelligence features that will be coming with that update, including custom Genmoji.

Of course, once iOS 18.1 is released, you can revert to the public version. So if you are not comfortable using beta software or dealing with any issues that may arise, you do not have to.

The good news is that it does not matter which version of iOS 18.1 you install, as long as your Apple account has access to Apple Intelligence.